Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

COVID-19 UPDATE: 512 New Cases

512 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported today which is the highest daily total in nearly a month

46 patients are in hospital with the virus - up two from yesterday. 

The ICU figure is unchanged, at 14.

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18 to 34 year olds will be able to get vaccinated in pharmacies from Monday

The official advice from NIAC is under 50's should get an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer where possible. 

However 18 to 34 year olds who want an earlier vaccination will be able to get the one-shot Johnson and Johnson in a local pharmacy. 

It comes as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer says at least 80% of the population will need to be vaccinated before the country can fully reopen.

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Ca. 125,000 People Still Waiting For Vaccine Appointment Won't Be Eligible To Get One In Pharmacy

From next Monday, 18 to 34 year olds will be able to get the single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine from community pharmacists

However, those aged 35 and above still waiting on a vaccine appointment won't be able to do so. 

In the Dáil Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the new system had been put together with the input of pharmacists.

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Head Of Ryanair Claims Chaos At Dublin Airport Yesterday Over Use Of EU Digital Covid Certificate

Ireland is the only country in the EU where it is not operational, with the airline calling on the Transport Minister to switch it on so fully vaccinated Europeans can travel here

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary says Ireland is 'Paddy Last' when it comes to facilitating European travel.

The Department of Justice has dismissed Ryanair's criticism, saying officers at the Border Management Unit are fully aware of what the EU Digital Covid Certificate looks like.

It says while the Department does not comment on any individual cases, if any person was stopped and was in possession of a Digital Covid Certificate, the person may have been unable to provide evidence that they also had a negative PCR test administered within 72 hours of their arrival in Ireland.