'Beacon of hope' as Covid-19 tests show fall in positivity rate for eight days

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said level 3 restrictions introduced in early October are now 'starting to have an effect' and he is 'increasingly optimistic' that a vaccine will be available in Ireland from early next year. Picture: Brian Lawless

Hopes of the country escaping from level 5 restrictions have been raised, as key Covid-19 virus indicators appear to be levelling off.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said level 3 restrictions introduced in early October are now "starting to have an effect" and he is "increasingly optimistic" that a vaccine will be available in Ireland from early next year.