NPHET has recommended pubs and restaurants close at 5pm as soon as possible, as the Omicron variant spreads here.
They've also called for indoor and outdoor events to be capped at a maximum of 50% capacity.
But they haven't recommended the early closure of schools for Christmas, or further limits on household visits.
****
Over 1,100 of the Covid cases reported yesterday are likely to be the Omicron variant.
A total of 4,141 new infections have been confirmed.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the new strain now accounts for 27% of new cases.
****
The Labour Party's calling for children to receive their Covid-19 vaccine in schools.
The vaccination rollout for most kids aged 5 to 11 is due to begin from January 10th.
However children in that age group who're high risk can register online from December 28th.
****
Cork Airport say they are hopeful of signing two more airlines in the new year, however the impact of the Omicron variant means uncertainty has once again crept into the aviation industry.
The Airport was given €13.7 million by the government earlier this week on top of €25 million in 2020 to compensate for the losses caused by the pandemic.
Management say they have been using the money to shore up their finances and to offer discounted airport charges to airlines.
