A further 512 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 273,296. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[3]
4 July – a further 562 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 274,306.[9]
5 July
A further 365 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 274,641.[10]
In a statement, Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan stated that more than 70% of all cases were now accounted for by the Delta variant, as it continued to present a risk to those who were unvaccinated or waiting for a second dose of vaccine.[11]
Over 500 pharmacies around the country began administering the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 18 to 34 who opted-in to receive it.[12]
A meeting between the hospitality sector and senior government officials took place to discuss the reopening of indoor dining and drinking with representatives told that indoor dining could reopen for 1.8 million fully vaccinated people with a self-regulated vaccine pass system.[13]
6 July – a further 397 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 275,038.[14]
7 July
A further 581 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 275,571 cases and 5,006 deaths.[15]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 30 and 34 on a phased basis, starting with people aged 34.[16]
A further 534 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 276,104.[18]
The Chief Executive of the HSE Paul Reid stated that the Delta variant was to "outmatch" Ireland's supply of COVID-19 vaccines in July, while latest figures showed that 352 cases of the Delta variant had been detected in Ireland.[19]
9 July – a further 631 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 276,735.[20]
10 July – a further 581 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 277,316.[21]
11 July – a further 576 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 277,892.[22]
12 July
A further 600 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 278,464.[23]
The Government of Ireland approved legislation for the resumption of indoor hospitality, with proofs of vaccination needed for those who were vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, while those under 18 would be required to be accompanied by a fully vaccinated person.[25]
13 July
A further 589 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 279,053.[26]
It was revealed that people aged 16 and over would be offered a vaccine by the end of September, with the Government examining the possibility of vaccinating those aged 12 to 15 during the autumn, while it was confirmed that children aged under 12 would not now need to take a PCR test when entering the country.[27]
14 July – a further 783 cases and 13 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 279,790 cases and 5,018 deaths.[28]
15 July
A further 994 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 280,784.[29]
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Convention Centre in Dublin on the night of 14 July to protest against the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic after the Dáil passed legislation to allow for the reopening of indoor dining.[30]
16 July
A further 1,173 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 281,954.[31]
In a statement, Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan stated that cases of COVID-19 were increasing in 22 out of 26 counties, with the majority of cases occurring in people who had not been fully vaccinated.[32]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 25 and 29 on a phased basis, starting with people aged 29.[33]
17 July
A further 1,377 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 283,331.[34]
18 July – a further 1,179 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 284,510.[36]
19 July
A further 1,071 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 285,581.[37]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 18 and 24 for the AstraZeneca vaccine on a phased basis, starting with people aged 24.[38]
Ireland joined the rest of the EU in implementing the Digital COVID-19 Certificate as travel restrictions into and out of the country eased.[39]
20 July – a further 1,110 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 286,691.[40]
21 July
A further 1,378 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 287,951 cases and 5,026 deaths.[41]
The Government of Ireland agreed that indoor dining in pubs and restaurants could resume on Monday 26 July for fully vaccinated and COVID-19 recovered people, after PresidentMichael D. Higgins signed the legislation underpinning new guidelines into law.[42] Under the new guidelines, there would be no time limits for customers, closing time would be set at 11:30pm and up to six people would be allowed sit at tables that must be kept one metre apart.[43]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged 18 or over for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.[44]
22 July
A further 1,189 cases were reported, bringing the totals to 289,139.[45]
Deputy Chief Medical OfficerRonan Glynn stated that the number of COVID-19 cases related to overseas travel had increased "very sharply", after it was revealed that the Delta variant now accounted for 90% of cases in Ireland.[46]
23 July
A further 1,386 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 290,525.[47]
Following lengthy discussions, draft guidelines for the reopening of bars and restaurants indoors on Monday 26 July were published. Under the guidelines, the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) would be the primary evidence for proof of immunity, all customers would have to show photo ID and contact tracing details for all customers would have to be taken, with an online QR code scanner developed to verify people's DCCs.[49]
24 July
A further 1,345 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 291,870.[50]
Around 1,500 protestors gathered in Dublin city centre to protest against vaccines, new legislation allowing for the reopening of indoor dining and the Digital COVID Certificate.[51]
25 July – a further 1,126 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 292,996.[52]
26 July
A further 1,345 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 294,272.[53]
Restaurants, cafés and bars reopened for indoor dining and drinking for the first time since December 2020, operating under strict new public health regulations.[54]
Minister for EducationNorma Foley stated that she was confident that a full reopening of schools from late August and early September would go ahead as planned.[55]
A specialist at the Department of Public Health in the Midlands raised concerns about gatherings of teenagers and young adults who wanted to deliberately catch COVID-19 so they could get their Digital COVID Certificate of Recovery.[56]
27 July
A further 1,120 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 295,386.[57]
After the COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged 16 and 17 for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, the Government of Ireland agreed to extend the COVID-19 vaccination programme to those aged 12 to 15 and to increase the limit of number of guests permitted at weddings from 50 to 100 from 5 August.[58]
Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed that the Department of Education was preparing for a full return of schools in the autumn.[59]
29 July – a further 1,361 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 298,048.[64]
30 July
A further 1,501 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 299,549.[65]
TánaisteLeo Varadkar and Minister for TourismCatherine Martin urged pubs and restaurants to continue to adhere to the guidance for indoor dining ahead of the bank holiday weekend, and reiterated that both the Digital COVID Certificate and the HSE Vaccination Card were acceptable proofs of immunity.[66]
The HSE urged people to be aware of a text scam claiming to offer appointments for a COVID-19 vaccination.[67]
31 July
A further 1,427 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 300,976.[68]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin announced that Ireland had more adults fully vaccinated than the UK, with 72.4% of adults in Ireland fully vaccinated compared to 72.1% in the UK.[70]
1 August – a further 1,098 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 302,074.[71]
2 August – a further 1,352 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 303,426.[72]
3 August
A further 1,015 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 304,310.[73]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin stated that a deal had been completed to secure 700,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines from Romania.[74]
Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan warned that virus outbreaks were originating through symptomatic people attending workplaces, eating out and visiting friends, and urged symptomatic people to stay at home, even if vaccinated.[75]
4 August
A further 1,314 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 305,527 cases and 5,044 deaths.[76]
A further 1,491 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 307,019.[79]
A video emerged online appearing to show multiple breaches of COVID-19 regulations at the pub owned by Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae in Kilgarvan, County Kerry, with young people gathering in the pub wearing no masks, with no social distancing and with access to the bar.[80]
6 August
A further 1,782 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 308,800.[81]
In the wake of the Merrion Hotel controversy, Fáilte Ireland updated its hospitality guidelines to allow customers book multiple tables and host outdoor gatherings with live music for up to 200 people.[82]
Speaking on RTÉ News: Six One, TánaisteLeo Varadkar expressed his regret for attending the Merrion Hotel event, but said it was not in breach of Government regulations, and "probably" not in breach of Fáilte Ireland guidelines.[83]
Following a meeting of the Cabinet COVID-19 sub-committee, it was announced that the Government would publish a roadmap by the end of August for the easing or ending of remaining COVID-19 restrictions.[84]
Gardaí began preliminary inquiries into an indoor gathering at the pub owned by Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae.[85]
7 August – a further 1,828 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 310,628.[86]
8 August – a further 1,837 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 312,465.[87]
9 August – a further 1,522 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 313,876.[88]
10 August – a further 1,508 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 315,385.[89]
11 August
A further 1,819 cases and 15 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 317,204 cases and 5,059 deaths.[90]
The HSE launched its portal for people to list their close contacts to enable faster contact tracing.[91]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged 12 to 15 for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.[92]
12 August
A further 1,903 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 318,937.[93]
The Chief Executive of the HSE Paul Reid said the vaccination programme was in "the final leg" after more than 50,000 people aged 12 to 15 registered to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with 90% of adults partially vaccinated and 80% fully vaccinated.[94]
13 August – a further 1,978 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 320,915.[95]
14 August – a further 2,074 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 322,989.[96]
15 August
A further 1,758 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 324,747.[97]
HSE CEO Paul Reid said that Ireland would cease further deliveries of AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines because there was a strong availability of mRNA vaccines.[98]
16 August – a further 1,558 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 326,188.[99]
17 August
A further 1,496 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 327,684.[100]
A further 1,861 cases and 15 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 329,388 cases and 5,074 deaths.[103]
Ireland received its largest ever weekly shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, with over 540,000 doses delivered to the HSE, including the first batch of unwanted vaccines from the Romanian Government.[104]
A further 1,818 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 331,206.[106]
HSE CEO Paul Reid said it was never too late to register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, urging those who had not yet received a vaccine to come forward, as latest figures showed that over 120,000 people aged 12 to 15 had registered for a vaccine.[107]
Following a meeting of the Government Committee on COVID-19, it was revealed that a roadmap for the phased reopening of all remaining closed industries, including the live entertainment and arts sector, would be published on 31 August.[108]
20 August – a further 2,098 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 333,304.[109]
21 August – a further 2,125 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 335,429.[110]
22 August
A further 1,688 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 337,117.[111]
HSE CEO Paul Reid said the threat from COVID-19 was still "very real", with the number of patients being treated in hospitals with COVID-19 at its highest level since the end of March, increasing to 314.[112]
23 August
A further 1,592 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 338,707.[113]
Following crowds of people gathering after the 2021 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final on 22 August, Gardaí began investigating alleged breaches of COVID-19 regulations at a pub near Croke Park, while several pubs were temporarily shut by Gardaí due to anti-social behaviour and a lack of social distancing.[114]
Music industry representatives criticised the Government after 40,000 people were allowed to attend the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final at Croke Park, while the live entertainment industry remained closed, with representatives from a number of live event and music industry groups stating that the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs Minister's attendance at the final was a "blatant disregard" for the live events industry.[115]
Visitors to University Hospital Galway were being asked to come only if "absolutely necessary" as the hospital dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak and record numbers at its emergency department.[116]
24 August
A further 1,571 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 340,278.[117]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly said the Government would continue to ease COVID-19 restrictions "as quickly as possible" and that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions would be eased before Christmas.[118]
A further 2,051 cases and 18 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 342,329 cases and 5,092 deaths.[120]
The husband of a woman who died with COVID-19 after giving birth to their daughter urged anyone who was unsure about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to get the vaccine.[121]
A row over the return to school of teachers in early stages of pregnancy intensified after the three teacher unions condemned Minister for EducationNorma Foley and the Department of Education for the "failure to provide alternative time-bound working arrangements for teachers who have been ineligible to receive vaccines."[122]
26 August
A further 1,866 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 344,195.[123]
In a letter to the Government, the National Public Health Emergency Team recommended that there should be no widespread further easing of COVID-19 restrictions until 90% of over 16-year-olds were fully vaccinated.[124]
27 August – a further 1,875 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 346,070.[125]
28 August
A further 1,997 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 348,067.[126]
29 August – a further 1,706 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 349,773.[128]
30 August
A further 1,293 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 351,065.[129]
Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan advised parents to exercise caution in relation to after-school activities as children began to return to classrooms across the country.[130]
31 August
A further 1,382 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 352,447.[131]
The Government of Ireland announced a further reopening plan for the country, with all remaining COVID-19 restrictions to be eased by 22 October, including the two-metre social distancing rule depending on the requirement of individual sectors, while masks would still be required in the health and retail sectors and on public transport.[132]
Public transport would be operating at 100% full capacity, with the requirement to wear masks remaining
From 6 September:
Larger crowds could gather for religious ceremonies with up to 50% capacity allowed in places of worship
Outdoor sports events could have 50% capacity in stadiums
Indoor venues could operate at 60% capacity for events for those who are vaccinated, while outdoor events could operate at 75% capacity for those who are vaccinated
Resumption of live music indoors at weddings and in bars
From 20 September:
The phased return to the workplace would commence
Resumption of indoor after-school activities along with sports indoors
From 22 October:
Easing of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions depending on COVID-19 cases remaining manageable and 90% of adults being fully vaccinated, including the easing of requirements on social distancing and mask wearing
A further 1,789 cases and 20 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 354,236 cases and 5,112 deaths.[134]
Public transport began operating at 100% capacity across the country, as the Government's plan for easing most COVID-19 restrictions by 22 October began, while the GAA announced that an additional 1,150 tickets would be available with 41,150 people allowed to attend the All-Ireland football final on 11 September.[135]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin announced that the National Public Health Emergency Team would cease to exist as a separate body over time and that their role and the vaccine taskforce would be transitioned into the normal functions of the Department of Health and the HSE.[136]
Under changes to the COVID-19 vaccination programme, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommended that pregnant women could be offered an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of pregnancy and that immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older could receive a third additional vaccine dose.[137]
The organisers of Electric Picnic officially cancelled the 2021 music festival.[138]
2 September – a further 1,751 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 352,529.[139] Reporting on the number of COVID-19 cases using the HSE-HPSC Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) recommenced, with the cumulative number of cases reported from CIDR decreased by 1,700 cases due to data validation and as a result of the HSE cyberattack.[140]
3 September
A further 1,414 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 353,936.[141]
According to the European Centre for Disease Control, Ireland had the highest incidence of COVID-19 in the EU, which put the country firmly in the red zone as hospitalisations rise.[142]
4 September
A further 1,703 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 355,639.[143]
A further 1,180 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 356,819.[145]
TánaisteLeo Varadkar faced criticism after a photograph emerged on social media showing him at the Mighty Hoopla music festival in London on the same weekend Electric Picnic was cancelled in Ireland due to the Government's COVID-19 restrictions.[146]
The HSE's lead for testing and tracing Niamh O'Beirne revealed that around 800 schools reported a positive COVID-19 case since they reopened, with 500 in primary schools and 300 in secondary schools.[147]
During a major operation carried out by Gardaí targeting the gang behind the ransomware attack on the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau seized several domains used in the cyberattack and other ransomware attacks.[148]
6 September
A further 1,144 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 357,955.[149]
Organised indoor and outdoor events and mass gatherings returned and live music and dancing were permitted at weddings, as the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions took place.[150]
The HSE estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 children were restricting their movements as a result of being designated a close contact of a COVID-19 case.[151]
7 September
A further 1,470 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 359,420.[152]
The HSE ceased walk-in testing nationwide to reduce queues at centres and called on people to book slots online as testing volume increased by 35%.[153]
8 September
A further 1,545 cases and 43 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 360,957 cases and 5,155 deaths.[154]
The number of children restricting their movements as a result of being designated a close contact of a COVID-19 case increased to 16,000, after more than 100 schools contacted the HSE over cases among pupils.[155]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced an update to Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination programme, with residents aged 65 years and older living in long term residential care facilities and people aged 80 years and older living in the community to receive a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.[156]
The Rotunda documentary series aired on RTÉ. This caused controversy as during filming birthing partners were not allowed in the hospital but the film crew were.
9 September
A further 1,292 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 362,228.[157]
A further 1,620 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 363,847.[159]
Latest figures showed that 90% of adults in Ireland were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while the seven-millionth dose was administered.[160]
11 September – a further 1,466 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 365,313.[161]
12 September
A further 1,346 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 366,659.[162]
An infectious disease specialist in St. James's Hospital Professor Cliona Ní Cheallaigh stated that most children under the age of 12 in Ireland would contract COVID-19 by early 2022 if more wasn't done to make schools safer.[163]
13 September – a further 1,394 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 367,536.[164]
14 September
A further 1,181 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 368,712.[165]
Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan warned that new COVID-19 restrictions could not be ruled out and "may be required in the future", despite very high levels of COVID-19 vaccine uptake.[166]
15 September
A further 1,185 cases and 24 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 369,897 cases and 5,179 deaths.[167]
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health that Ireland was on track to proceed with the full easing of COVID-19 restrictions in October.[168]
It was revealed that Ireland was to donate up to two million COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries.[169]
The 2021 National Ploughing Championships went ahead in Ratheniska, County Laois on a much scaled-back level, with the trade exhibition element and the world ploughing contest cancelled due to uncertainty over COVID-19 restrictions.[170]
16 September
A further 1,413 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 371,301.[171]
The National Public Health Emergency Team agreed to recommend that the Government proceed with its plan for a further easing of restrictions from Monday 20 September and also agreed that masks should not be required for children under 13.[172]
17 September – a further 1,392 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 372,687.[173]
18 September
A further 1,456 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 374,143.[174]
A further 1,224 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 375,367.[176]
Latest figures showed that over 90% of Irish people over the age of 16 were now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the highest rate in the European Union.[177]
20 September
A further 1,154 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 376,517.[178]
Thousands of workers across the country began returning to their offices and places of work, as COVID-19 restrictions further eased with rules around organised indoor group activities being relaxed and limits on outdoor group activities for participants being removed.[179]
21 September – a further 1,423 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 377,937.[180]
22 September
A further 1,432 cases and 30 deaths were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 379,366 cases and 5,209 deaths.[181]
Following advice from Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan, asymptomatic primary school children and those in childcare facilities identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 would no longer have to restrict their movements or get tested from Monday 27 September.[182]
23 September – a further 1,355 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 380,720.[183]
24 September
A further 1,163 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 381,883.[184]
The HSE announced that immunocompromised people would be notified of an appointment for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine from Wednesday 29 September, as Ireland's COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign would commence.[185]
25 September
A further 1,335 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 383,218.[186]
A 67-year-old man who left a Donegal hospital against medical advice while suffering with severe symptoms of COVID-19 died.[188]
26 September – a further 1,459 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 384,677.[189]
27 September
A further 1,049 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 385,721.[190]
Most asymptomatic primary school children and those in childcare facilities who were identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 no longer needed to restrict their movements or get tested, while latest figures showed that 91.4% of Irish adults aged 18 and older were now fully vaccinated.[191]
28 September
A further 1,499 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 387,218.[192]
According to the Bloomberg COVID-19 resilience ranking, Ireland was named the best country to be in for how it dealt with the pandemic and the rise of the Delta variant.[193]
29 September – a further 1,453 cases and 40 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 388,665 cases and 5,249 deaths.[194]
30 September
A further 1,271 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 389,932.[195]
A pilot nightclub event took place at the Button Factory in Dublin, which included a 60% capacity crowd of 450 people, vaccination certificates and antigen testing.[196]
A further 1,059 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 390,989.[198]
No positive COVID-19 tests reported at a pilot nightclub event in Dublin on 30 September, with the promotors stating they felt it was very successful.[199]
A new report published by the CSO revealed that nurses and midwives were most likely to contract COVID-19 during the first wave in March 2020 with sales and retail assistants and checkout operators the workers most likely to contract it in the second and third waves.[200]
2 October
A further 1,586 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 392,575.[201]
A further 1,051 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 393,626.[203]
Gardaí attended a protest outside the home of Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.[204]
4 October – a further 892 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 394,519.[205] It was the first time that the daily case figure was below 1,000 since 15 July.[206]
5 October
A further 1,124 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 395,643.[207]
6 October – a further 984 cases and 31 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 396,625 cases and 5,280 deaths.[209]
7 October – a further 1,208 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 397,831.[210]
8 October – a further 2,002 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 399,833.[211]Deputy Chief Medical OfficerRonan Glynn said today's case numbers reflected an increased number of positive tests collected over the previous three days.[212]
9 October – a further 1,940 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 401,773.[213]
10 October
A further 1,384 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 403,157.[214]
HSE CEO Paul Reid said the number of people in ICU with COVID-19 had risen by 20% in one week, with 67% of the ICU patients not vaccinated and 3% partially vaccinated.[215]
11 October
A further 1,358 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 404,514.[216]
The number of patients being treated in hospital with COVID-19 increased to 400, the highest since 8 March, while HSE Chief Clinical OfficerColm Henry revealed that up to 50,000 adults over the age of 40 were not yet vaccinated.[217]
12 October – a further 1,466 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 405,970.[218]
13 October
A further 2,066 cases and 26 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 408,021 cases and 5,306 deaths.[219]Deputy Chief Medical OfficerRonan Glynn said there were still 300,000 adults who had not been vaccinated and that two out of every three people in ICU were unvaccinated.[220]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin said he could not guarantee that the removal of COVID-19 restrictions on 22 October would proceed as planned and that the trajectory of the virus had taken a wrong turn with a sudden increase in case numbers, while Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly said he was self-isolating after experiencing mild symptoms.[221]
14 October – a further 1,627 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 409,647.[222]
15 October – a further 1,914 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 411,554.[223]
16 October – a further 2,180 cases (the highest number of confirmed cases recorded in a single day since January) were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 413,734.[224]
17 October – a further 1,380 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 415,114.[225]
18 October
A further 1,578 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 416,690.[226]
NPHET urged the Government to pause the easing of restrictions on Friday 22 October, with social distancing, mask-wearing and vaccine certificates to remain, while the NIAC approved vaccine boosters for people aged 60 and over.[227]
A primary school in County Wexford closed until after the mid-term break in November after 34 cases of COVID-19 were detected at the school.[228]
19 October
A further 2,399 cases (the highest number of confirmed cases recorded in a single day since 22 January) were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 419,087.[229]
The Government published a revised plan for the easing of restrictions on 22 October, with nightclubs allowed to reopen, the return of normal trading hours in pubs and restaurants, no attendance limits on weddings and religious ceremonies and 100% capacity allowed at sporting venues, while the continued use of masks, vaccine certificates and social distancing measures would remain in place until at least February 2022.[230]
A primary school in County Wicklow closed over concerns at a high incidence of COVID-19 at the school.[231]
20 October – a further 2,148 cases and 63 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 421,234 cases and 5,369 deaths.[232]
21 October
A further 2,029 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 423,260.[233]
Updated guidelines for hospitality and for the reopening of nightclubs on 22 October were published, with nightclubs allowed to operate at 100% capacity, a maximum of 1,500 people permitted to dance or stand at live music venues and multiple table bookings allowed in pubs and restaurants.[234]
22 October
A further 2,466 cases (the highest number of confirmed cases recorded in a single day since 21 January) were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 425,725.[235]
Nightclubs and late venues reopened after almost 600 days of closure, as new guidelines were published.[236]
23 October – a further 2,427 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 428,152.[237]
24 October – a further 1,725 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 429,877.[238]
25 October
A further 1,845 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 431,722.[239]
The HSE announced that pop-up vaccination clinics at maternity hospitals would be developed, after it was revealed that 20 pregnant or postpartum women needed intensive care treatment for COVID-19 since the end of June 2021.[240]
26 October – a further 2,193 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 433,902.[241]
27 October – a further 1,631 cases and 67 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 435,526 cases and 5,436 deaths.[242]
28 October
A further 2,605 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 438,124.[243]
The HSE began to send antigen tests to people who were deemed close contacts of a COVID-19 case.[244]
29 October – a further 2,549 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 440,665.[245]
30 October – a further 2,966 cases (the highest number of confirmed cases recorded in a single day since 16 January) were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 443,631.[246]
31 October – a further 1,963 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 445,594.[247]
A further 3,428 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 469,386.[259]
It was confirmed that Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan tested negative after taking a second test and would now travel to COP26.[260]
8 November
A further 3,161 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 472,547.[261]
9 November – a further 3,578 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 477,878.[263]
10 November – a further 2,975 cases and 74 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 480,846 cases and 5,566 deaths.[264]
11 November
A further 3,680 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 484,523.[265]
A 14-year-old teenager became Ireland's youngest person to die with COVID-19.[266]
12 November
A further 5,483 cases (including a backlog of around 1,200) were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 490,001.[267]
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommended to Government that people who frequently go to nightclubs, bars and restaurants should take twice weekly antigen tests, extending the use of COVID certificates to areas outside of hospitality, mask-wearing in outdoor sporting events and that people work from home.[268]
13 November – a further 4,642 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 494,643.[269]
14 November – a further 3,805 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 498,448.[270]
15 November – a further 4,570 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 503,013.[271]
16 November
A further 4,407 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 507,413.[272]
The Government announced a series of measures in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, with a closing time for bars, restaurants and nightclubs to be midnight, household contacts of a person with COVID-19 to restrict movements for five days and take three antigen tests, people required to work from home where possible and vaccination certificates required for cinemas and theatres.[273]
17 November – a further 3,633 cases and 43 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 511,045 cases and 5,609 deaths.[274]
18 November – a further 4,650 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 515,691.[275]
19 November – a further 3,138 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 518,824.[276]
20 November – a further 5,959 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 524,783.[277]
21 November – a further 4,181 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 528,964.[278]
22 November – a further 5,634 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 534,594.[279]
23 November – a further 3,666 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 538,255.[280]
24 November – a further 3,893 cases and 43 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 542,146 cases and 5,652 deaths.[281]
25 November – a further 4,764 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 546,909.[282]
26 November
A further 4,620 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 551,528.[283]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced that COVID-19 booster vaccines would be offered to everyone aged 16 and over, starting with pregnant women aged over 16, those aged 40 to 49 and those aged 16 to 39, following new recommendations from NIAC.[284]
27 November
A further 4,791 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 556,319.[285]
Thousands of people attended a protest against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine passports at the GPO on Dublin's O'Connell Street.[287]
28 November – a further 3,735 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 560,054.[288]
29 November
A further 4,607 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 564,657.[289]
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said it was likely that the new Omicron variant was in Ireland after the Department of Health confirmed that 11 suspected cases of the new variant were sent for whole genome sequencing.[290]
30 November
A further 5,471 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 570,115.[291]
The Government announced additional measures in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, with parents of children aged 12 and under urged to reduce socialisation indoors, a negative test required for people arriving into Ireland from Friday 3 December, the re-establishment of mandatory hotel quarantine, the wearing of face coverings for children aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and for children in third class and above.[292]
2 December – a further 4,163 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 578,064.[295]
3 December
A further 5,419 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 583,472.[296]
The Government reintroduced a series of measures that would commence from 7 December to 9 January amid concerns of the Omicron variant, with nightclubs to close, bars and restaurants to revert back to six adults per table and no multiple table bookings allowed, indoor cultural and sporting events to operate at 50% capacity, a maximum of four households allowed to meet indoors, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to be reinstated and the requirement of vaccination certificates extended to gyms, leisure centres and hotel bars.[297]
4 December – a further 5,622 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 589,094.[298]
5 December – a further 5,156 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 594,250.[299]
6 December – a further 2,950 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 597,161.[300]
7 December – a further 5,590 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 602,726.[301]
8 December
A further 4,152 cases and 81 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 606,852 cases and 5,788 deaths.[302]
A further 4,022 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 610,855.[304]
Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan announced in a statement that five additional cases of the Omicron variant had been detected, bringing to six the total number of cases that had been identified in Ireland following whole genome sequencing.[305]
10 December – a further 4,115 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 614,952.[306]
11 December – a further 4,004 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 618,956.[307]
12 December
A further 4,667 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 623,623.[308]
The Department of Health announced that four additional cases of the Omicron variant had been detected, bringing to 10 the total number of cases that had been identified in Ireland following whole genome sequencing.[309]
13 December
A further 4,688 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 628,306.[310]
The Department of Health announced that eight additional cases of the Omicron variant had been detected, bringing to 18 the total number of cases that had been identified in Ireland following whole genome sequencing.[311]
The NIAC recommended that people would be able to receive a booster dose three months after their second dose.[312]
14 December – a further 3,887 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 632,177.[313]
15 December
A further 4,235 cases and 47 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 636,407 cases and 47 deaths.[314]
The Department of Health announced that 24 additional cases of the Omicron variant had been detected, bringing to 42 the total number of cases that had been identified in Ireland following whole genome sequencing, while Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan urged people to take precautions to avoid being in isolation for Christmas.[315]
16 December – a further 4,141 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 640,548.[316]
17 December
A further 3,628 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 644,143. It was confirmed that 35% of cases were now due to the Omicron variant.[317]
To curb the spread of COVID-19 over the Christmas period, the Government announced an 8pm closing time for bars, restaurants, live events, cinemas and theatres that would commence from 20 December to 30 January.[318]
A further 5,124 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 656,600.[321]
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announced that the Omicron variant was now the dominant variant in Ireland after it was confirmed that 52% of cases were now due to Omicron.[322]
20 December – a further 4,799 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 661,388.[324]
21 December – a further 5,279 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 666,657.[325]
22 December – a further 6,307 cases and 55 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 672,964 cases and 5,890 deaths.[326]
23 December
A further 7,411 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 680,375.[327] Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan confirmed that almost 75% of cases were now due to the Omicron variant.
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced that booster vaccines would be offered to everyone aged 30 and over from 29 December and to all remaining age groups from 10 January.[328]
24 December – a further 11,182 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 691,557.[329] It was confirmed that 83% of cases were now due to the Omicron variant.
25 December – a further 13,765 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 705,322.[330]
26 December – a further 10,404 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 715,726.[331]
27 December – a further 6,735 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 722,461.[332] It was confirmed that 87% of cases were now due to the Omicron variant.
28 December – a further 9,006 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 731,467.[333]
29 December
A further 16,428 cases and 22 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 747,895 cases and 5,912 deaths.[334] Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan expressed concern and stated that "every individual should consider themselves potentially infectious".[335]
The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that lessons had been learned, after an image emerged showing at least 20 senior officials and staff from the department gathering at Iveagh House in breach of public health guidelines in June 2020.[336]
30 December – a further 20,554 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 768,449.[337] Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan confirmed that 92% of cases were now due to the Omicron variant, while he urged people to keep social contacts low and not to hold household gatherings on New Year's Eve. Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced new advice on COVID-19 testing and the period of isolation.[338]
31 December
A further 20,110 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 788,559.[339]
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that booster vaccines would be offered to everyone aged 16 and over from 2 January 2022, eight days earlier than planned.[340]