The Department of Health has confirmed an additional 5,109 positive PCR cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today.
There were also 4,482 positive antigen tests registered through the HSE website on Thursday.
When combined that makes the number of cases 9,591.
As of 8am this morning, 707 people were in hospital with the virus, 69 of whom were receiving treatment in intensive care.
Meanwhile, thousands of people are still suffering from the effects of Covid months and years after they first contracted it.
Oireachtas research indicates that approximately 114,000 people are suffering from long Covid.
Elsewhere, a new survey has revealed 47% of people plan to continue wearing masks, even after the mandate drops.
1,000 people participated in the survey, and while 70% agreed with the lifting of restrictions, almost half say they will continue to socially distance.
4 in 10 respondents said they'll be less likely to shake hands or hug people, while 3 in 10 will be less inclined to use cash.
