LATEST: Kilkenny among 393 new cases of virus as eight further deaths confirmed
A further eight people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 393 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
The overall death toll as a result of the virus has now reached 4,921. There have now been 251,474 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The breakdown of the latest cases is as follows: 173 are in Dublin, 42 in Cork, 34 in Kildare, 26 in Donegal, 15 in Meath with the remaining 103 cases are spread across 20 other counties. Less than five new cases of the virus were recorded in Kilkenny.
Commenting on today’s figures, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan 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,” Dr Holohan added.
