New figures have revealed details of the settings where COVID-19 outbreaks were reported last week.
Figures released by the HPSC show where outbreaks/clusters, where two or more cases are recorded in a single setting.
In the week ending December 26th, 215 new clusters were recorded - 38 fewer than the previous week.
There was an increase in the number of clusters linked to restaurants / cafés and social gatherings compared to recent weeks.
Four clusters were associated with restaurants and cafés, compared to none over the previous three weeks.
Outbreaks in the week up to December 26th. Image: HPSCOne was associated with a pub, with one also linked with a retail outlet.
Four outbreaks were linked with social gatherings - the highest number reported in recent weeks - while two were associated with hotels.
21 outbreaks were associated with schools - four more than the previous week.
There were 13 outbreaks in nursing homes, compared to nine the previous week.
However, there was a significant decline in the number of family outbreaks in private homes - down 60 to 101.
Within vulnerable populations, there were two outbreaks among Irish Travellers and one in a direct provision centre.
The release of the outbreak details comes amid record new numbers of COVID-19 cases being reported daily.
Cabinet is meeting today to consider whether a full level five lockdown is necessary, with an announcement expected this afternoon or evening.
