Covid-19 contact tracing app to be launched today

The country's first Covid-19 contact tracing app is being launched later.

The technology, which has taken months to develop, will allow people to know if they've been in close contact with a confirmed case, while those who test positive for the virus can alert other app users they've been in contact with.

35 per cent of people identified as close contacts haven't taken up the offer of a test. 

For the first time since March, there have been two consecutive days with no reported deaths, while four new cases have been confirmed.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn, says that's a positive development.

"The most difficult aspect of this throughout the whole process has been reporting the deaths and being aware of the effect this has had on families across the country.

"It's brilliant we've had two days [without cases], but we always caution that there's a weekend effect, and sometimes cases aren't notified as quickly at the weekend as they would be through the week."