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:
Laois Childcare Centre Confident Of Reopening After Administrative Closure
Sonas Community Childcare waa advised to close yesterday by TUSLA.
Nearly 400 First Time Buyers Approved Under 2025 Q4 Home Scheme
Laois saw the highest number of approvals.
Laois School Community Walks Together To Achieve €100k Goal
Students and staff aim to collectively walk 6,000km on their own school track.
Laois Prisons Running At Over 120% Capacity
Numbers have soared in 2026.
TUS Midlands To Launch Joint Institute With Foshan University In China
The announcement coincides with Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s State visit to China.
Senator Calls For Tougher Penalties After Spike In Tool Thefts
Tools have been reported stolen in the midlands and nationally.
Traffic Disruptions Expected As Farmers Set To Protest Mercosur Deal
Speeches are set to take place from 1:30pm.
Midlands Transport Firm And Director To Stand Trial Over Fatal Workplace Accident
Trial gets underway on Tuesday.
Mercosur Trade Deal Approved By EU Countries
Ireland was one of the countries which opposed the deal.
HSE Expects Midlands Hospice Project To Proceed Despite Potential Appeals
Planning permission was granted for the facility on Arden Lane in Tullamore.
Westmeath Matchmaker Signals January As Best Time To Find Love
Mullingar's Mairead Loughman says the new year brings a surge of motivation for people to find love.
Anniversary Mass For Ashling Murphy Taking Place This Weekend
The mass takes place in St.Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus.
Appeals Board Hearing On Enoch Burke Dismissal Postponed After Legal Challenge
Members of the panel will file an affidavit opposing his application.
Offaly Town To Host Vigil For Gaza Tomorrow
Tullamore For Gaza is hosting a 140 ft crochet blanket in Birr to represent the numbers of children killed.
EU Council Votes On Mercosur Today
The deal is expected to pass at council level before a parliament vote in the coming weeks.
Beef Quality Under Scrutiny As EU Mercosur Deal Nears Vote
A protest is being held in Athlone this weekend.
Esker Arts Centre Receives €125k Boost For Development
The arts centre opened in 2023.
Government Launches €100m Push To Grow Chip Industry
Peter Burke believes Ireland lead this sector.
Uisce Eireann To Carry Out Works In Laois
Uisce Eireann is carrying works on the Derry Road in Durrow.
Offaly Sees Second Highest Flu Rate In Ireland Over Festive Period
Laois was the least affected county with the flu.
