Covid-19: Evening Update
Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 4 additional deaths and 434 new cases - 44 here in Cork.
Of the cases notified today, 80% are in patients under 45 years of age and the median age is 31 years old.
As of Wednesday, 5th May, 1,700,538 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland.
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Dr Tony Holohan says he's very concerned about DIY antigen tests sold by supermarkets.
Lidl has announced it is selling them to customers from today.
The tests are far less accurate at detecting Covid-19 than other types such as PCR tests.
The CMO is worried that people will think that they don't have to follow restrictions if they use these DIY tests.
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Health officials are keeping a close eye on several counties with a high incidence rate of Covid-19.
Kildare, Dublin, Roscommon and Cavan all have a higher disease incidence at present.
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Retailers are 'Optimistic' as click & collect services reopen Monday.
Shopping-by-appointment will also be allowed.
Next week will see inter-county travel allowed, barbers and hairdressers re-open and 50 people able to attend weddings and funerals.
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Some Penneys customers are facing a 5-hour wait to book an appointment to shop in stores from Monday.
Penneys, along with all non-essential retail, will reopen for click-and-collect and for appointments.