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7 Jan
Government officials have been told by the National Public Health Emergency Team that they do not see the need for a further tightening of restrictions for now.
A meeting between NPHET and officials yesterday did hear that more data is needed on the impact of high Covid-case rates on ICUs.
And public health chiefs expect the Omicron wave to peak next week, as the booster programme reaches teenagers and Ireland reports one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe.
The current restrictions in place - including the closing of hospitality venues aat 8pm - are due to expire on January 30th.
On Wednesday, the Government announced that those who have received their booster vaccine would be issued with an updated Covid cert starting from midnight on Thursday.
The Department of Health has said the process will take a number of days and advised people to check their email for their updated cert.
Taoiseach Michael Martin Micheál Martin has said that people will need their updated vaccine cert, with booster, to enter pubs and restaurants once the third jab has been fully rolled out, or as he put it; "in the fullness of time".
New EU regulations on the validity of Covid Certs will also come into effect on February 1st.
This will mean Covid certs will only be valid for nine months after a completed vaccine regime.
The new Covid certs will be almost identical to the ones people have become accustomed to, as the only noticeable difference will be a new QR code to replace the old one.
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The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said in a statement that those who have recovered from the virus will be able to apply for a Digital Covid Cert of recovery.
He said: "You can also request a DCC of Recovery if you've recovered in the last 6months via online portal".
New relaxed measures for those entering Ireland from abroad have also been introduced.
Those who are fully vaccinated will no longer require a negative PCR or antigen test to enter.
Instead, when you arrive back into Ireland, you must:
Public Health officials will be closely monitoring the case-rate - as the Omicron wave is expected to peak in the coming days - and the pressures on hospitals and the Health System.