NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

Sara Marinio (nine) pictured with deer in the Phoenix Park in Dublin today. Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

• The daily number of confirmed Covid-19 cases could increase in the coming days to 7,000, HSE CEO Paul Reid said, noting that transmission levels are now “rampant”.
• Six deaths and 6,110 new cases of the virus were confirmed today.

• The government will meet on Wednesday to discuss the planned reopening of schools next week.
• 35,000 people in Ireland are expected to receive the first Covid-19 vaccine dose this week, the health minister said.
• A Malaysian coroner ruled that the death of Nora Quoirin was most likely due to misadventure.
• Partners will no longer be allowed to attend the 20-22 week pregnancy scan, the Rotunda Hospital announced.

WORLD

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has his temperature checked during a visit to Chase Farm Hospital in north London today. Stefan Rousseau / PA Wire/PA Images Stefan Rousseau / PA Wire/PA Images / PA Wire/PA Images

#ENGLAND: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a new national lockdown for England which means people will only be able to leave their homes for limited reasons, with measures expected to stay in place until mid-February.

#SCOTLAND: Scotland is to impose a nationwide coronavirus lockdown for the rest of January because of a surge in cases, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced. 

#EU: The EU medicines watchdog will not reach a decision on Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine until at least Wednesday, it was confirmed today.

PARTING SHOT

We all probably feel a bit like Ace right now, but let’s power through.

This is Ace. He attempted stairs today. Did very well but still feels like there’s room for improvement. 13/10 (IG: ace__adventures) pic.twitter.com/EJiqociv7d

— WeRateDogs® (@dog_rates) January 4, 2021