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:
Land Prices Are Set To Slump After Months Of Rain
Teagasc and the Society of Chartered Surveyors have released their Agricultural Land Market Review.
'Push For Paul' Fundraiser Running Through Westmeath And Offaly Today
Paul's family and friends are seeking to raise funds, and awareness about Mitochondrial Myopathy.
Former Westmeath Psychiatric Hospital Could Be Have New Purpose
Refugee accommodation is one of the uses being considered.
Over Half Of Total Turbines Installed At Midlands Windfarm
It's expected to be fully operational by early next year.
"Injury, Death And Trauma" Results Of Dog Attacks On Sheep Flocks
There is a new campaign underway to urge people to be aware of their dogs at all times.
Communities Urged To Register Defibrillators In Their Area
650 are currently in the midlands alone.
Gardaí Investigating After Thrown Rock Damages Laois Car
It happened on the M7 yesterday.
Sunny Weather To Continue Over Next Few Days
Today is set to be the warmest day of the week.
Classic Cars Coming To Westmeath In Aid Of Charity
The event is in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation.
Unaccompanied Learner Driver Arrested For Speeding 50Km/h Over Limit
The Laois Roads Policing Unit stopped the motorist on Saturday.
Offaly Households To Potentially Be Without Water Tonight
Works are scheduled to take place overnight.
Children's Spinal Surgeries Waiting List "Out Of Control" - Midlands Mum
Some children have been waiting for spinal procedures for 5 years.
Investigation Launched After Shots Fired In Offaly
The firearm was discharged yesterday morning.
Popular Westmeath Store To Reopen
The store closed in March.
Electric Picnic Line-Up To Be Revealed This Week
The festival returns to Stradbally this August.
Health Minister Urged To Provide Clarity On Decision Behind Offaly Hospice Site
Stephen Donnelly is due to decide between the two sites soon.
€1.4 Million Funding Given To Midlands Community Centre
The government announced over €30m will be invested in Rural Development.
Bird Flu Could Cause "Extraordinarily High" Human Mortality Rates
Certain mammals have contracted the illness after previously thought to be immune.
Construction On New Laois Special School To Start Within Weeks
The site has been met with a number of delays spanning decades.
Seized Shotgun Back In The Hands Of Midlands Criminals
It was first seized in 2009, and again last year.
