Covid reproduction rate has fallen despite 'very sharp increase' in cases per day

Dr Ronan Glynn: 'It is worth recalling that in late June, the five-day average for cases reported was less than 10.' Picture: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

Professor Philip Nolan of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said the average daily case tally has been 75 over the past five days, which he described as a "very significant increase”.

There were 40 new cases confirmed on Wednesday, as well as one death.