Number of Covid-19 patients in hospital drops for first time since Christmas day

The HSE's Dr Vida Hamilton says the high number of people being treated is a challenge and is putting pressure on staff.

The number of people with Covid-19 in hospitals has dipped below 2,000 after yesterday's record numbers.

This morning, there are 1,954 Covid-19 patients in hospitals across the country - down 69 from yesterday.