Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

COVID-19 UPDATE: 304 New Cases

47 coronavirus patients are in hospital, with 13 in intensive care

210 cases of the Delta variant have been identified in Ireland so far. 

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Vaccination Centre At MTU Bishopstown Campus Will Serve As Covid-19 Community Vaccination Centre From Monday

The team at the centre will initially focus on administering second doses of the Astra Zeneca and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines

The centre will operate its 10 booths from 9am to 5pm.

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Ireland has the fifth highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in the EU.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says the country's rate is 90 cases per 100,000 people. 

Only four countries have higher rates - with Portugal the worst, at 124. 

Malta has the lowest rate, at less than 4 cases per 100,000 people. 

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There's been no changes to plans for international travel despite Delta variant concerns, according to the Transport Minister

The cabinet will meet next week to sign off on plans for further re-openings in July.

But there are concerns in government over the more transmissible Delta variant taking hold here.

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The Chief Medical Officer has asked NIAC whether the AstraZeneca vaccine could be given to younger people

The current advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee is to only administer AstraZeneca jabs to people over the age of 50.

Up to half a million AstraZeneca vaccines could be delivered in August, at a time when the majority of eligible recipients will already be vaccinated.