Covid situation 'very fragile', warns Nphet as case numbers expected to fall slower than predicted 

As hospital and ICU figures fall at a slower rate than infections, Dr Ronan Glynn said there would be prolonged pressure on the acute hospital system over the coming weeks.

Nphet has warned that while infection levels have been significantly reduced in recent weeks the situation remains "very fragile".

In a letter to the Minister of Health, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer warned that there remains a considerable risk that Ireland will experience a further wave of infection if public health restrictions were to be eased before the vaccine rollout has been significantly advanced.