Here's A Reminder Of Today's Covid Headlines
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The highest number of cases of Covid-19 since late January has been reported today.
189 people who have tested positive for the virus are being treated in hospital; this is down 4 on yesterday.
30 of these patients are being treated in Intensive Care Units – up two.
The seven-day average has risen to about 1,300 cases – with very high incidence rates in Donegal, Louth and Galway.
The government says the trajectory of the virus is very uncertain.
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Today's announcement of the latest Fáilte Ireland guidelines gives the hospitality industry more opportunities to generate business.
That's according to the chairperson of the Cork Branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland.
Live music is now allowed outdoors at pubs, restaurants and hotels under the newly announced guidelines.
They've also been changed to allow social gatherings of up to 200 people outdoors.
Multiple tables can be booked but customers won't be allowed to mingle between tables.
Michael O'Donovan, Chairperson of the VFI in Cork city and county told RedFM News, that he is hopeful today's move will lead to the further easing of restrictions.
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The HSE's launched its information campaign for parents on the Covid vaccine for 12 to 15 year olds.
All children from that age group will be offered a vaccine, with the portal opening on Thursday next week.
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Restrictions around maternity scans are set to be eased "progressively" as more young people are vaccinated.
New guidelines from the HSE say partners should be allowed at C-sections, as well as 12 and 20 week scans.
The guidance also says partners should be able to attend visits which could be stressful, such as emergency presentations.
Further visiting restrictions will be rolled back "over the coming months" according to the the health service.
While there have been issues with some hospitals not following guidelines, the HSE has said it expects all maternity units will fully implement the new measures.
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Communions and confirmations look set to resume in September.
The move was discussed at a virtual meeting of the Special Sub-Committee for the Covid-19 Response this morning.
Ministers were updated on the current situation regarding the spread of Covid by officials.
The move to allow sacraments to take place follows a number of bishops saying they intended to proceed with the ceremonies despite restrictions.
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Downing Street insists there's no need for the British Prime Minister to self-isolate - despite a member of his staff testing positive for Covid-19.
It's understood Boris Johnson travelled on a plane with the employee between Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland.
But a number 10 spokesperson says he was not within two metres of the civil servant.
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There have been calls for live music to be allowed indoors as well as outdoors after changes to the Fáilte Ireland guidelines.
They mean outdoor events of up to 200 people are allowed as long as people don't mix between the tables.
The advice comes following the controversy over Leo Varadkar's attendance at a function for 50 people at the Merrion Hotel.
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The head of the HSE says people will likely act in a 'more guarded' way even after Covid restrictions ease.
It’s expected Ireland's adult population will be fully vaccinated by the end of the month.
Which HSE boss Paul Reid says will allow for the unwinding of several restrictions.
But he adds that normality is still some way off.
