There have been 8 further Coronavirus-related deaths and 393 new cases, according to figures released by the health authorities today.
Of the deaths notified today 3 occurred in May, 2 occurred in March and 3 occurred in February or earlier.
With five new cases announced today, Laois now has a 14-day incidence rate of 53.1
After being the third highest county in the country a matter of weeks ago, Laois now has the seventh lowest incidence rate in the country.
Of the cases notified today:
- 175 are men / 211 are women
- 79% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 28 years old
- 173 in Dublin, 42 in Cork, 34 in Kildare, 26 in Donegal, 15 in Meath and the remaining 103 cases are spread across 20 other counties
As of 8am today, 131 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 36 are in ICU. 16 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
As of Tuesday 4th May, 1,655,866 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland:
- 1,201,373 people have received their first dose
- 454,493 people have received their second dose
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “We all want the easing of restrictions next week to be a significant turning point in this pandemic.
“We have worked so hard to reduce the spread of this disease. More than 30% of adults have now been vaccinated with one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland and it is time to feel hopeful and to start planning our summer.
“The choices we make now are vital to minimise the incidence of COVID-19 throughout May and June. Prioritise being outside and avoid crowds.
“Know the symptoms – self-isolate immediately and phone your GP if you have them. By protecting yourself, you are protecting everyone you know from infection.”
The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community including daily data on Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
HSE writes to hospitals to change maternity rules
Partners of pregnant women should be allowed attend the 20-week scan and be present at the birth of the baby, the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer has said.
Dr Colm Henry said hospitals, neo-natal and maternity units are now much safer places than they were in January, at the height of the third wave of the pandemic.
He said the HSE have written to all hospitals reminding them of this policy.
The only reason the policy would not be implemented would be due to a local risk-assessment, he added.
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