A further 1,508 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning, there were 206 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – down 11 on yesterday but up 16% on this day last week.

There were 33 in intensive care – down one on yesterday but up four on last week.

The five-day moving average is now 1695.

The five-day moving average in Ireland. Image: Newstalk

It comes after the HSE said the vaccination of children aged between 12 and 15-years-old would begin ‘within days’ of registration opening.

Officials say they've "held back as many places as possible" this weekend so teenagers can get COVID-19 vaccines quickly.

It means people in the age group could get their first doses as soon as Saturday or Sunday.

The vaccine portal opens for 12-15-year-olds on Thursday.