US travel
The United States from today will allow fully-vaccinated Irish travellers to enter the country once again for the first time since the pandemic began.
The US travel restrictions, first imposed in early 2020 to address the spread of Covid-19, had barred access to non-US citizens who within the last 14 days had been in Ireland, Britain, the 26 Schengen countries in Europe without border controls, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.
Health service warning
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) is warning that the health service is facing extraordinary pressure this winter.
On Sunday afternoon, 3,428 new cases of the virus were confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), the sixth consecutive day that case numbers have topped 3,000.
Chair of the IMO’s public health committee, Dr Ina Kelly also endorsed comments made by chief medical officer Tony Holohan last week, urging people to walk out of pubs or restaurants if they are not asked to show their Covid-19 digital certificates.
Hospitality meeting
An emergency meeting will be held on Tuesday between the Government and representatives from the hospitality sector regarding the current surge of Covid cases.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the meeting will focus on ensuring "maximum compliance" with current guidelines, particularly the checking of Covid certificates.
Speaking on Monday morning, Mr Martin said engagement with the sector to this point has been constructive, adding that he expects tomorrow's meeting to be no different.
Cop26
Minister for Climate Action Eamon Ryan is to take part in the Cop26 conference in Glasgow later today.
Mr Ryan's attendance had been cancelled after he tested positive for Covid-19, however, a subsequent test returned negative, allowing him to go ahead with the trip as planned.
The summit enters its final week today, with environment, energy and climate ministers from around the world meeting to discuss ways to limit global temperature rises.
Cork assault
Gardaí are investigating after a woman in her late 50s was assaulted on Sunday evening in Fermoy, Co Cork.
The attack occurred while the woman was out walking in a sports ground in the town.
The sporting facility remained sealed off on Monday morning, with uniformed gardaí posted at all entrances. Investigations into the matter are said to be ongoing.
