The HSE is warning that any easing off on coronavirus restrictions at this stage could have “very significant consequences.”

Last night, there were 272 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals – a fall of 15 in 12 hours.

The 297 recorded yesterday morning was down nearly 10% since the previous week.

Meanwhile, there were 64 patients in intensive care with the virus last night – three fewer than yesterday morning.

There were 411 new cases announced last night and the five-day rolling average now stands at 509.

This afternoon, HSE chief Paul Reid said the viral levels are currently too high to safely cope with an "explosive" rise in transmission and people can’t afford to take their foot off the gas this Easter weekend.

“We do know now, we have real experience of when society – and we all do – decides to take a temporary break from the public health measures, we know the impacts are hugely disproportionate,” he said.

“There are very significant consequences for sickness, hospitalisations, ICU and indeed, mortality.”

Mr Reid said the vaccination programme is bearing fruit and there is now a “a growing level of confidence in the supply lines for the phase ahead.”

He said people aged 65 to 69-years-old will soon be able to apply for vaccination through the new portal which will launch this month.