Some hopeful news.

The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units has fallen to its lowest number in 2021 so far. The number of coronavirus patients in hospitals has also dropped to its lowest level in more than seven months. There were 37 patients with the virus in intensive care on Wednesday night, the lowest count this year. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) also reported 122 Covid-19 patients in Irish hospitals on Wednesday night, the lowest figure since 2 October and a 54% drop on the same day last month. The figure is also a 19% drop when compared to the same day last week. It comes as, from 10 May, Irish people will finally be able to return to hairdressers, inter-county travel, outdoor sports training and click and collect retail services. However, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is warning people to remain cautious over the coming months. "Unfortunately, we need to continue to stay vigilant to the infectious nature of this disease and avoid congregating together in large groups," he said in a statement on Wednesday. "We need all sectors of society to continue to encourage and support the public health messages and to help everyone to stay safe." Dr Holohan added that the "key objective" over the coming weeks will be meeting people in smaller groups and "avoiding crowded areas" ahead of the easing of restrictions across Ireland this month. “Throughout this pandemic, we have seen outbreaks and clusters of disease as a result of social events such as funerals, wakes, and birthday parties," he added. “As we look forward to the greater reopening of activities and services, our key objective now is to maintain our course in coming weeks and follow the public health advice in our daily activities."