The top stories of the morning.
At Home: Tánaiste rules out extension of midterm break to tackle Covid-19 surge
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says the October midterm break and the Christmas break will not be extended.
Covid-19 cases have been surging in younger children, but the Government has stressed they will do everything to keep schools open.
Varadkar says children have “missed enough school as it is”.
He added, “The fact that there’s a higher incidence among children aged between five and 12 is not a surprise. There is a lot of the virus about and this is a group that is not vaccinated.
“But at the same time, we’re seeing a slight fall among people over 80 and that’s a sign the boosters are working.”
“As things stand, we’re not anticipating any school closures or extension of the half-term or Christmas breaks, we’re not anywhere near that point yet.”
Woman in serious condition after being hit by Luas
A woman in her 40s has been severely injured after she was hit by a Luas near Heuston Station.
The woman was rushed to St. James’s Hospital and is believed to be in a serious condition.
The incident took place on October 28th at approximately 2.15 pm.
Gardaí are urging witnesses to come forward. You can contact Gardaí in Kilmainham on 01 6669700.
Witnesses can also contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Covid: “Really good” uptake of Covid-19 vaccine among pregnant people
There has been a strong uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine among pregnant people this week.
Speaking to Newstalk, HSE vaccination lead Damien McCallion said the increase is encouraging.
“We have seen really good take-up through the last week or so through the campaign and the work, particularly I think of the professional people on the ground.”
“For people who are pregnant, the really important thing is that discussion with their caregiver, be that their midwife or consultant.”
You can read more about Covid-19 vaccinations and pregnancy here.
Celebrity: Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are expecting twins
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are set to welcome twins into their family.
The couple posted a photo of them holding up a sonogram of their babies to announce the news.
Ronaldo wrote, “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love – we can’t wait to meet you #blessed.”
The sportsman shares 3-year-old daughter Alana with Rodriguez.
He is also a dad to 11-year-old son Cristiano Junior and 4-year-old twins Eva and Mateo.
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Zayn Malik denies hitting Gigi’s mother Yolanda Hadid
Singer Zayn Malik has shut down claims he hit Yolanda Hadid.
TMZ claimed Yolanda was going to file a police report after the singer reportedly “struck” her, but Malik has stressed that the allegations are simply not true.
The dad told TMZ, “I adamantly deny striking Yolanda Hadid and for the sake of my daughter I decline to give any further details and I hope that Yolanda will reconsider her false allegations and move towards healing these family issues in private.”
Malik and model Hadid reportedly split up over a month ago.
Gigi issued a short statement asking for privacy.
