Yesterday, NPHET explained how the virus is being spread.

While lockdown continues, Ireland has seen a spike in Covid-19 case numbers. Yesterday, the HSE were informed of 520 new cases of Covid-19. On 21 March, there were 768 cases reported. The current seven-day average is 543. Earlier this week, senior government figures warned that the recent surge in Covid-19 case numbers could have an impact on the country's reopening next month. To this end, NPHET have released data that identifies exactly where the new cases are coming from. According to reports, 50% of Covid-19 transmissions are occurring within households. Additionally, 10% of new cases are being spread through extended family members. Workplace transmissions also account for another 10% of cases. Meanwhile, childcare facilities account for 5% of the spread, and religious services account for 2.5% of cases. Dr Ronan Glynn addressed the spike, as well as how the virus is spreading during the Covid-19 briefing yesterday. "It's not straightforward, it's a mixed picture," he said. "For example, in Limerick, we have a student outbreak that's ongoing. We have a number of outbreaks in the travelling community in a number of counties across the country. We have a small number of outbreaks in schools and a well-publicised outbreak in a childcare facility in Offaly. There's a number of outbreaks in workplaces, particularly meat processing facilities." He continued: "It's a mixed picture and there isn't one outbreak that's dominating in any one area of the country. On top of that, what public health colleagues are telling us is that they have ongoing interhousehold and household outbreaks. It's all adding up to the stasis we're seeing." As cases rise, the reopening of the country remains uncertain. NPHET will meet with the government later this week to discuss recommendations. Meanwhile, the vaccine roll-out programme continues. By last Friday, the HSE had administered 668,529 doses.