A further 1,271 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning, there were 297 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – 11 more than this day last week but three fewer than yesterday.

There were 59 in intensive care, which is one fewer than last week.

The five-day moving average has fallen to 1,346.

The five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

It comes as the Art Minister Catherine Martin said “no clear decision” has been made on whether nightclubs will require antigen testing when they reopen.

Ireland’s first club night in over 18 months is taking place in the Button Factory in Dublin tonight.

The 450 people attending the pilot event will need to show their Digital COVID Cert and proof of a negative antigen test to get in.

The Button Factory is at 60% capacity for the show with attendees “allowed to behave as normal within the club.”

They have to provide full contact details on arrival and wear masks while queuing to get in and leaving.

Meanwhile, Professor Luke O'Neill said new data shows booster shots against the coronavirus are 'absolutely galvanising the immune system'.

He said they could give three-year protection against the virus.