Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

Three vaccine centres in Cork will close for several days this week. 

The HSE say the closures will allow them to give staff a much needed break and also will also facilitate the scheduling of the second doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

The vaccine centre at Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be closed on Friday and Saturday while the centres at City Hall and the GAA complex in Mallow will be closed on Thursday. 

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The government has been criticised for trying to extend the power to implement Covid restrictions until November. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said the five-month extension is based on public health advice. 

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There are 365 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic. 

103 patients are in hospital with the virus - 24 fewer than last night. 

41 are in intensive care - down three on this time yesterday. 

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It's expected the EU's Covid Passport could be ready for use in Ireland by mid-July. 

The EU’s digital green pass is likely to be approved by leaders shortly, leading to travel opening up across member states over the summer months