Covid-19 Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

• There have been 403 new cases  of Covid 19 reported today in the Republic  and no additional deaths according to latest figures from the department of health.

  It brings to 243,911 the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

  While the death toll linked to the virus stands at 4,836

• Covid-19 cases here are "substantially" reduced, and the number of patients in critical care has "stabilised". That's the message from the acting chief medical officer as 403 more cases are reported tonight, and no patient deaths. 

• Minister Simon Harris has said he's hopeful pubs and restaurants will be open for the summer.  At next week's cabinet meeting, Ministers will consider the plan for re-opening over the coming months.

• There's been an influx of bookings from the Republic for a hair salon in County Fermanagh. Hairdressers and barbers are opening on Friday in Northern Ireland, but there is no date set for the Republic.