'We are sailing very close to the wind here', warns Nolan

Professor Philip Nolan, chairman of the Nphet epidemiological modelling group, at a Covid -19 update press conference at the Department of Health this evening. Picture: Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Health officials have sounded a "note of caution" about the prevalence of Covid-19 in the community, warning that the country remains in a "precarious" state despite a gradual decline in case numbers.

While many of the virus indicators are trending in the right direction, increased mobility and the planned return to school for many students next week is causing concern among health officials.