COVID-19 LATEST: 10 more deaths but just 64 new cases, hairdressers and barbers ‘could reopen as early as next month’

Ten more people have died after contracting the coronavirus, but just 64 more cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.

It is the second day in a row that the number of cases has fallen below 100 for the first time in two months.

The overall death toll as a result of the virus now stands at 1,543. There are now a total of 24,112 cases of Covid-19 across the country.

Earlier it was confirmed that a further three people have died as a result of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, bringing the death toll there to 476.

The latest casualties were confirmed as the country prepares for the first phase of lifting travel and shopping restrictions tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a report today said hairdressers and beauticians may be allowed to trade as early as next month amid greater pressure from ministers to speed up the reopening process.

As it currently stands, the Government’s phased plan does not envisage so-called higher-risk contact services such as hairdressing, barbers and beauticians being allowed to trade until July 20 as part of phase four of the roadmap.

However, the Irish Independent reports that a memo brought to Cabinet last Friday said there would be engagement with certain sectors about how they plan to reopen while adhering to strict public health guidelines.

The memo is said to have specifically referenced personal services such as hairdressing.

Culture Minister Josepha Madigan raised the issue with her ministerial colleagues at the Cabinet meeting, arguing that the reopening of hairdressers, barbers and beauticians could be brought forward into phase three of the plan, which would see them open from June 29, according to the report.