Covid-19 latest: 783 new cases could be start of new wave of exponential growth

A top health official says Ireland is moving towards a more ‘pessimistic’ Covid situation.

There are 783 new cases – the highest since February 20th.

There are 73 Covid patients in hospital, with 20 in intensive care.

It’s estimated cases are rising by about 3.5 per cent per day.

Professor Philip Nolan, who chair’s NPHET’s modelling group, says this could be the early stages of a new wave of exponential growth.

The chief medical officer says it is safer for parents not to bring their children into indoor dining.

Later this month, children will be allowed to dine indoors at a café, pub or restaurant with a fully vaccinated adult.

But Dr Tony Holohan says parents bringing their children for a meal should stick to outdoor dining instead.