40 Covid related deaths in the past week as 1,453 new cases recorded

40 Covid-related deaths have been confirmed in Ireland over the past week.

This is an increase in the past two weeks when 30 and 24 fatalities were reported.

Health officials have also reported 1,453 new cases in the latest 24-hour period.

300 Covid patients are in hospital - the same as yesterday - with 60 in intensive care, down three.