Health officials have reported 437 new Covid cases and one death this evening.
169 of today's cases are in Dublin.
While there are 62 in Donegal, 40 in Kildare, 29 in Meath, 21 in Galway.
With the rest spread across 17 counties.
The four counties with 0 cases today are; Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo and Kilkenny.
While the counties that have fewer than 5 new cases are; Longford, Laois, Carlow, Clare, Wexford and Kerry.
The Chief Medical Officer has appealed to the public to "be safe while socialising."
“While we should remain cautious, we can also be cautiously optimistic."
"Please continue to act in the best interests of one another and be safe when socialising.”@CMOIreland #COVID19 #HoldFirm pic.twitter.com/5OpvN4SFhC— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) April 26, 2021
Some More Re-Openings Tipped For May
NPHET cancelled its usual Monday press briefing today.
Instead members are waiting to give the team's opinion on the current situation until later in the week.
Click and collect, construction, retail, barbers and hairdressers, religious services and outdoor sports training are the areas being examined for May re-openings.
Yesterday we passed a million people in Ireland vaccinated. Today we open up further - outdoor sports facilities, youth training, outdoor attractions. Later this week we're looking at the next phase of reopening. The plan is working thanks to a huge national effort. pic.twitter.com/ITtTNSpJt8
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) April 26, 2021
J&J Covid Vaccine Decision Due Shortly
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is finalising its recommendations on the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
The Government expects it to be delivered either this evening or tomorrow morning.
The recommendation will first go to Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.
So then he'll inform Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
After the Government makes its decision it will then be up to the HSE to implement its roll-out.
The hope in government circles is any restriction on the use of the vaccine due to the risk of rare blood clots will be more limited than the advice around the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Which could still see Johnson and Johnson widely used here.
