The HSE is urging people to check if they have a functioning first aid kit in their homes over the Christmas period.

Almost 2,000 cases of Covid-19, RSV and influenza have been recorded nationally in the past week.

Across the festive period, the Local Injury Unit at Ennis Hospital will remain open from 8am to 8pm, while the Medical Assessment Unit at the facility will stay operational from 8am to 12 midnight, and University Hospital Limerick's Emergency Department will be open 24/7 as normal.

HSE Midwest Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Maria Bridgeman has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's important to have basic first aid equipment as well as cold and flu remedies in the event that someone starts to feel unwell in the coming days.