The Government has announced new measures to curb the rise in Covid-19 cases, including the use of regular Antigen tests, restriction of movement for household close contacts and a midnight closing time for restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Here's a short summary of all the new measures.

The new advice also recommends employees to revert to working from home unless it is necessary to attend the workplace in person.

Sticking with Covid-19 news, people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) saw a reduction to the scheme in their pockets yesterday – and the government has no plans to change this, despite the new restrictions announced. 

Elsewhere, antigen tests are to be provided for free by the Government for those in school settings and for close contacts, but not for the wider public Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed. 

Fórsa also sought clarification from the Government following the announcement of the measures in relation to staff working in schools, including special needs assistants (SNAs) and school secretaries. The union sought clarification following reports that the Taoiseach said teachers were to be exempt from the requirement to restrict movements for five days if someone in their household has Covid. The Government subsequently clarified that no exemption would apply. More on that here. 

And booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are to be offered to people aged 16-59 years who have an underlying condition. They will also be offered to all residents in long-term healthcare facilities, irrespective of age, and those aged 50 to 59 years who have completed their primary course with any Covid-19 vaccine

Finally, for zen today we’ve got this moment as Adele helped give one couple the engagement story of a lifetime at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Adele stunned a big fan of hers by helping to orchestrate a spectacular proposal during part of her comeback concert, and followed it up by a performance of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ dedicated to the couple. You can watch the incredible moment here.