Number of Covid hospitalisations falls to lowest level in four weeks as Tánaiste says "plan is working"

It comes as the Government announced new Covid restrictions on Friday.

The number of Covid-19 patients in Irish hospitals has fallen to its lowest level in nearly four weeks, with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar stating Ireland's plan for combating the virus is "working".

According to the Covid-19 Data Hub, as of 8am on Saturday (4 December), there were 487 patients being treated for the disease, a drop in 41 from the same time on Friday.

The figure is the lowest number of Covid hospitalisations since 7 November.

Meanwhile, as of Saturday morning, there are 114 in intensive care units with the virus, an increase in four from Friday morning's figures.

In a Twitter post, the Tánaiste shared Saturday's Covid hospital figures, writing: "Plan is working - third doses, masks, test and isolate, physical distancing."

He then added: "Thank you for what you are doing. Please don’t lose heart. Let’s all have a safe Christmas."

Number of people in hospital falls below 500 for first time since October. Plan is working - 3rd doses, masks, test & isolate, physical distancing. Thank you for what you are doing. Please don’t lose heart. Let’s all have a safe Christmas #protectourprogress pic.twitter.com/f6yypv4kO6

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) December 4, 2021

His comments come as Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced on Friday that nightclubs are to close their doors from Tuesday, 7 December as part of the latest batch of Covid-19 restrictions.

Under the new rules to be introduced next week, strict social distancing will be required in all bars and restaurants, including hotels, with the establishments to revert to the situation in place before 22 October.

That means:

table service only

one metre between tables

a maximum of six adults per table

no multiple table bookings

masks must be worn when not at the table

The current midnight closing time remains.

There will also be a maximum of 50% capacity at indoor entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, which must all be fully seated.

In these venues, face masks must be worn at all times unless eating or drinking.

The requirement for a Covid Pass will be extended to gyms, while it is recommended that household visits be limited to three households visiting a fourth at any given time.

Varadkar later clarified that the household limit is advice, stating: "There will be no Gardaí calling to people's homes to see how many are inside".

The Taoiseach said the Government agreed to introduce the restrictions, which will be in effect until at least 9 January, following "some very stark advice" from NPHET.

Main image via Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie