The latest on COVID19 today

The latest developments on the fight against COVID19 as the virus continues to disrupt everyday life.

• The Tanaiste says it will be the end of April or early May at the earliest when non-essential retail or hairdressers can reopen.

  Leo Varadkar says any easing of restrictions on April 5th will be quite limited.

• NPHET is examining easing restrictions on visits to nursing homes at its meeting this morning. 

  The issue has been raised by a number of government TDs following the roll-out of vaccines to nursing home residents. 

• The Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine has been approved by the the European Medicines Agency 

  It says the single dose vaccine can be administered for those aged 18 years and over.

  The European Commission says it will move quickly to grant approval for use in the EU.

• Another 10 deaths and 592 cases reported today - 20 of those are here in Cork.