Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

COVID-19 UPDATE: 5 New Deaths, 461 New Cases

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 5 additional deaths related to COVID-19.

There has been a total of 4,872 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight, Friday 23rd April, the HPSC has been notified of 461 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

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Zoos and Open Farms Among Outdoor Attractions Set To Reopen On Monday

This Monday sees the next step in the government's plan to further ease Covid Restrictions.

Underage, non-contact outdoor training, for activities such as sports and dance, can re-commence in pods of 15 or fewer.

Some outdoor sports facilities will reopen, including some pitches, golf courses and tennis courts. 

The overarching constraints remain in place however, meaning that indoor facilities such as changing rooms and showers stay closed apart from essential toilets.

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Bill Published Finalising Government's Proposals For This Year's Leaving Cert.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley said that this year's leaving cert. students have had an extremely difficult time

She stated that it is important that they were offered a choice, in respect of sitting the examinations, opting for Accredited Grades, or both.

All leaving cert students will have to visit The Candidate Self Service Portal when it reopens next week either to change their minds or confirm their existing choices.

The Candidate Self Service Portal at examinations.ie will reopen from 12 noon, next Tuesday, the 27th April and will close again on Friday, 30 April at 6pm.

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India Reports World Record Number Of New Covid-19 Cases For Third Day Running

There were almost 350,000 positive tests yesterday, taking the total since Thursday to almost a million

Doctors are appealing for help, with oxygen supplies running low and hospitals overwhelmed.