Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has not yet released today's Covid-19 figures.

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CMO says the country is now experiencing a near elimination of Covid-19 in the vaccinated population

However Dr Tony Holohan says people shouldn't holiday abroad until they're fully vaccinated

He says the incidence of the disease is dropping in people aged 50 to 65, who are in the process of receiving protection from full vaccination. 

However he says people shouldn't holiday abroad until they're fully vaccinated.

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People In Spain No Longer Need To Wear Masks Outdoors From Next Saturday

The country's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, says this weekend will be the last one with face coverings

He says the government will meet on Thursday to approve it. 

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Taoiseach Says Government Won't Speed Up Lifting Of Covid Restrictions Because Of Delta Variant Concerns

There have been 188 cases of the strain in Ireland so far - but according to NPHET, the pandemic is still shrinking

Micheal Martin says this week will be the biggest yet for the vaccination programme, with over 330,000 doses administered.

But despite the positive signs, the easing of measures won't be brought forward.

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Member Of NPHET Says Debate Around Antigen Testing Needn't Be So Polarised

The National Public Health Emergency Team was questioned this week by the Oireachtas Transport Committee on its perceived reluctance to the use of antigen testing for international travel

Public health officials explained that there is no evidence to validate the tests use in an aviation setting.