The change will affect close contacts of positive cases who are asymptomatic.
NPHET has recommended a change to the testing time frame for close contacts.
In a letter sent to Government, NPHET recommended a reduction in the number of days close contacts must restrict their movements if they test negative and are asymptomatic.
The measure, which will see close contacts tested on day zero and day ten after their last exposure to the case, resumed today (Wednesday 10 February).
Close contacts of confirmed positive cases can now end their period of restricted movement from after 10 days if they receive a “not detected” result from their Day 10 test and are asymptomatic.
Previously, close contacts had to restrict their movements for 14 days, regardless of what their Covid test detected.
The letter, which was dated 4 February and published on Wednesday, reports that a total of 8,335 cases of Covid were confirmed in Ireland in the seven days leading up to 3 February.
This represents a 30% decrease from the seven days previous, with 56% of these cases being people under the age of 45.
It also found that there are currently 193 open clusters in nursing homes, to which 532 deaths have been linked.
The letter in full can be read here.
As of Saturday (6 February), 236,996 doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in Ireland.
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