The HSE has also asked for staff to be redeployed to help relieve pressure.
Hospitals are being told to cancel non-urgent care for the next two weeks.
The HSE has also asked for staff to be redeployed to help relieve the pressure from Covid-19.
884 patients are in hospital with the virus - an increase of 70 per cent over the last week - including 46 in midlands hospitals.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid says around 6,000 staff are now off work due to covid:
Sinn Féin Pushes For Action On Garda Staffing Shortages
One measure is raising Templemore’s intake capacity to 275 trainees.
Support Programme For Former Fastway Workers To Launch In The Midlands
Nuvion went into receivership last month.
Midlands Schools Secure Funding For Summer Improvement Projects
Funding will also be provided by the Department of Education.
Former Offaly GAA Chair Headlines 'Breakfast And Banter' Event
Michael Duignan and a number of guest speakers will be at the Charleville Centre today.
Westmeath Pharmacist Urges Older People To Get Flu Vaccine
It comes as 800,000 people are set to miss out on the enhanced flu vaccine.
Mental Health Charity Urges People To Consider Alcohol Free Christmas
Turn2Me's CEO Fiona O'Malley says it will encourage a more inclusive celebration.
Lands Of Offaly Farmer Flood Completely Following Heavy Rain
Michael Milley is also concerned the planned Derrynadarragh Windfarm will add to flooding risks.
Tánaiste Takes Finance Portfolio In Cabinet Shuffle
Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke will remain Enterprise Minister.
Offaly Instructor Labels New Driving Test Rules As ‘Long Overdue’
Around 38,000 people nationwide still need to sit the driving test.
Offaly Boy Given All Clear After Life Saving Surgery
Over €330k was raised for Joey Conway's operations.
Offaly TD Calls For Emergency Following UK Asylum Reforms
Carol Nolan wants to see action from the government.
Enoch Burke Sent Back To Prison For Fourth Time
The schoolteacher has so far spent 513 days in prison.
Offaly County Council Announces 5% Budget Increase For 2026
The local authority will have €102m to spend.
Temperatures To Drop As Bitter Cold Snap Arrives
Temperatures are set to plunge dramatically.
Three People Hospitalised Following Midlands Garda Car Collision
The incident took place on Saturday evening.
Offaly Food Plant Workers To Extend Strike Into Weekend
Members of Carrolls Cuisine will protest this Friday and Saturday.
Westmeath Man Urges Men Over 45 To Get Prostate Checks
John Tiernan was disagnosed earlier this year.
"Simply Not Good Enough" - Brian Stanley On Flood Relief Schemes
Flood defences are years away for two Laois towns badly affected by Storm Claudia last week.
Government Working To Attract New Business After Leprino Closure In Laois
132 jobs are set to be lost due to the closure of the factory.
IRHA Defends Lorry Drivers Dodging Toll Costs On Local Roads
IRHA President Ger Hyland says the body is due to meet with the Taoiseach soon on the issue.
