News | Latest Breaking News Stories & Headlines

Fiona Whelan and her son Sam both tested positive for Covid in July and thought they were immune for six months

'Devastated': The pain of Covid isolation at Christmas

Reporter Laura Fletcher speaks to some of those isolating at home this Christmas.

Festive atmosphere at Dublin Castle Christmas market

Preparing for another 'pandemic Christmas'

With Covid cases surging and the implications of Omicron still unclear, many people have been changing their Christmas plans.

Christmas • 22 Dec 21

Live Vaccines for five to 11-year-olds from 10 January - HSE

Follow the latest coronavirus developments from home and abroad

Coronavirus • 22 Dec 21

Micheal Martin said: 'We'll get over this wave' of the coronavirus

'Hold the collective nerve' on Omicron threat - Martin

The Taoiseach has said that people need to hold their nerve in relation to the threat posed by the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Coronavirus • 14 Dec 21

Risk assess the environments you plan to be in over the next two weeks, says Dr Tony Holohan

Holohan: 'Take measures today' to ensure safe Christmas

The Chief Medical Officer has said that people "can take measures today" to ensure the "safest possible interaction" with family and friends over Christmas.

Coronavirus • 10 Dec 21

A health worker directs travellers to the arrival hall before being dispatched to quarantine hotels at Hong Kong International Airport

Quarantine camp stay for US travellers to Hong Kong

Hong Kong will require inbound travellers from the United States to spend seven days at a government quarantine camp, after a passenger coming from the US tested positive for the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Coronavirus • 10 Dec 21

The research was carried out between December 2020 and February 2021

Negative views were widespread during lockdown - study

New research carried out by the mental health charity Aware, analysing the general population's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has found the public had a negative view of themselves, the world, and other people during the peak of the restrictions this year.

Coronavirus • 07 Dec 21

A PCR test station in Berlin, Germany (File image)

Germany to impose sweeping curbs for unvaccinated

Germany will ban people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 from large parts of public life, Chancellor Angela Merkel has said after a meeting with the country's regional leaders.

Coronavirus • 02 Dec 21

Prof Wenger said that ventilation is the primary measure in classrooms

HEPA filters are 'great interim solution' for schools

The chair of the Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of Covid-19 has said the Minister for Heath's decision to take advice from other sources on the role that HEPA filters can play in the classroom is "odd".

Coronavirus • 02 Dec 21

Minister Stephen Donnelly said the bill is designed 'to strengthen Ireland's ability to respond' to the Omicron Covid-19 variant

Dáil passes mandatory hotel quarantine legislation

The Health Amendment Bill - which includes a return of Mandatory Hotel Quarantine - has passed all stages in the Dáil tonight.

Coronavirus • 02 Dec 21

There are indications that Omicron could cause over half of all Covid-19 infections in the EU/EEA within the next few months

Omicron could account for half of EU cases in months

A new threat assessment from the European Centre for Disease Control said there are uncertainties around Omicron in terms of transmissibility, severity, and immune escape potential, though preliminary data suggests a substantial advantage over the Delta variant.

Coronavirus • 02 Dec 21

The measures being assessed are thought to include eliminating the capacity of people to book multiple tables

NPHET examines hospitality curbs, household visit limit

The National Public Health Emergency Team is believed to be considering a range of curbs on the hospitality sector tonight, with the aim of reducing transmission of Covid-19.

Coronavirus • 02 Dec 21

Michael O'Leary said he didn't see any risk to European air travel

Ryanair sees no reason to cancel flights over Omicron

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary has said he saw no reason to cancel flights because of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Business • 29 Nov 21

The Department of Health said it has been monitoring the emergence of the variant

Donnelly 'deeply concerned' about new virus variant

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is "deeply concerned" about the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, which has been identified in a number of countries in southern Africa and in Hong Kong.

Coronavirus • 26 Nov 21

Medical workers in an intensive care department of a Covid ward at the Ust-Abakan District Hospital in Abakan in south-central Russia

Russian doctors invite anti-vaxxers to Covid wards

Leading Russian doctors have invited celebrities and politicians with anti-vaccine views to visit Covid-19 red zones in hospitals and see for themselves the effects of the pandemic.

News Lens • 24 Nov 21

The panel evaluated how the WHO and member countries handled the pandemic

World must bolster WHO, agree pandemic treaty - experts

The World Health Organization must be strengthened with more funding and greater ability to investigate pandemics through a new treaty, an independent panel has said.

Coronavirus • 22 Nov 21

Dr Tony Holohan said 'we are very vulnerable to sudden, unsustainable surges of infection'

4,181 new Covid cases as 'burden' on health service

The Chief Medical Officer has warned that the current level of Covid-19 is placing an enormous burden on the entire health system.

Coronavirus • 21 Nov 21

AIG-owned Laya Healthcare saw revenues rise by 11% following two price hikes in 2019

Laya Healthcare records €22.17m profits in 2020

Pre-tax profits at the country's second largest health insurance provider, Laya Healthcare, fell by 23% last year to €22.17m as revenues increased.

Business • 19 Nov 21

Healthcare system under 'severe strain' - HSE chief

Follow the latest developments as the HSE briefs the media on the Covid-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 • 18 Nov 21

A man receives a Covid-19 booster jab at the Sir Ludwig Guttmann Health & Wellbeing Centre in Stratford

Vaccines key to avoiding restrictions in UK - Johnson

People in Britain must come forward for Covid-19 vaccines when they are eligible if new restrictions this winter are to be avoided, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.

Coronavirus • 15 Nov 21

Members of The Discovery Gospel Choir prepare for first full performance since the pandemic began.

Multicultural choir on song for first concert of year

Ireland's "most diverse and inclusive" choir is looking forward to its first full performance since the pandemic began.

Ireland • 14 Nov 21

People queuing in front of a cafe in the city centre in Eindhoven

Netherlands returns to partial lockdown amid case surge

The Netherlands will return to a partial lockdown from tomorrow in an effort to contain a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases.

Coronavirus • 12 Nov 21

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said he understands people have 'become tired' of the pandemic

Acceleration of Covid cases giving 'concern' - NPHET

The National Public Health Emergency Team said there has been a "significant increase" in Covid-19 cases amongst almost all age groups.

Coronavirus • 10 Nov 21

Dr Tony Holohan urged people to come forward for their vaccine or booster

Covid-19: 3,161 new cases confirmed, 498 in hospital

The Department of Health has been notified of 3,161 new cases of Covid-19.

Coronavirus • 08 Nov 21

Ryan 'looking forward' to COP26 after negative PCR test

Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan said he is "looking forward" to travelling to COP26, after a follow-up test indicated he does not have Covid-19.

Coronavirus • 07 Nov 21