Close contacts to no longer be tested as 1,620 Covid cases and 12 deaths confirmed

Dr Holohan's comments come as a further 1,620 confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening by the Department of Health along with 12 additional deaths. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The Chief Medical Officer has said the department of health will no longer be advising close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases to get be tested.

This is in response to the high rate of positive tests seen over recent days, and the widespread increase in infections in our communities nationwide.