New criteria for Covid-19 testing is being introduced early next week.

Currently, only people in at-risk groups, with two symptoms, can be sent for testing.

From next week, if a person has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they can get a test, but vulnerable people will still be prioritised.

The Covid-19 death toll has risen to 1,014, including 185 probable deaths and 37 lab-confirmed fatalities.

There was also 577 new confirmed cases as of yesterday bringing the total number of cases in the republic to 18, 184.

Mayo now has 391 confirmed cases, Galway has 331, Roscommon has 111 and Sligo has 105.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, says they'll assess what impact changing the testing rules will have: