The country is set to have 10,000 cases of Covid-19 a day by Christmas, according to a leading virus expert.

17 counties recorded cases yesterday, with a total of 92 across the state.

Galway was the only Connaught county with an additional case confirmed, bringing it’s total to 510, Mayo remains at 587, Roscommon 353, Sligo 156, Leitrim 85.

Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn says 25 counties have had cases over the past two weeks.

UCC professor Gerry Killeen says it's not safe to have schools, pubs and restaurants open at this time, due to the level of new cases.

The HSE chief executive says eliminating Covid-19 from Ireland isn't realistic and we must live with it.

Paul Reid will also tell the Oireachtas coronavirus committee today that the health service faces 'a very difficult period' ahead. 

He will say over 750,000 Covid-19 tests have taken place in the country to date - with 5,000 contact tracing calls made last week.

Dr Denis McCauley, the chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation's GP committee, agrees it's impossible to eliminate Covid from Ireland.