The Delta variant is like Covid on steroids, said a former White House Covid adviser, which is not the most consoling image given we are in a race against it to get fully vaccinated in case it gathers more speed here.

Dublin city would normally be thronged with tourists and visitors at this time of year but the pandemic has put paid to that.

A body representing more than 2,500 restaurants, coffee shops and gastropubs has formally initiated proceedings against the State challenging pandemic restrictions banning indoor dining.