Ireland could be facing a new lockdown within 10 days if coronavirus cases continue to rise.

A senior government source has told the Sunday Independent the move now looks increasingly possible.

It comes after the Tanaiste previously admitted a 'short, sharp' circuit break lockdown may be needed to reduce Covid-19 case numbers.

Three deaths and 1,012 cases were reported yesterday - the highest daily number of new coronavirus cases since the height of the pandemic in April.