Very sad news.
18 more people have died from Covid-19 and 386 new cases have been confirmed in Ireland.
It brings the total number of deaths in Ireland to 1,102 and the total number of confirmed cases to 19,648.
Cases among healthcare workers now stands at 5204, which accounts for over 25% of all cases.
“We have always made it clear that there are certain things that we need to be satisfied with prior to recommending any change in current restrictions,” Dr Tony Holohan said.
The most important one is that the incidence rate of the virus needs to be as low as possible in terms of its transmission in the community and within community and residential settings.
“In addition, the impact of the disease on rates of mortality and hospitalisations including admissions to intensive care units also need to be at at very low level.
“Improvements are still needed in these important measures,” Dr Holohan added.
On Monday, An Garda Síochána announced it would be ramping up checkpoints and sending additional patrols to beaches and prominent leisure spots over the next seven days.
It’s part of Operation Fanacht, described as a major Garda operation on public health travel restrictions, and will run from 7am on Tuesday (28 April) until the end of the May Bank Holiday weekend Monday (2 May).
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