Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

COVID-19 UPDATE: 443 New Cases

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified that 43 patients are being treated in hospital because of COVID-19

Of those 43, 13 are in Intensive Care Units.

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Leading Immunologist Says Very Strong Case To Delay Planned Easing Of Restrictions On July 5th

NPHET is due to meet on Wednesday to review the spread of the Delta variant - and if the next stage of lifting the lockdown can go ahead

HSE chief executive Paul Reid says the strain poses an "obvious threat" but 40 per cent of adults are now fully vaccinated.

Cliona O'Farrelly, Professor of Comparative Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, says the government should think very carefully about re-opening.

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Tánaiste Anticipates Digital Covid Cert For EU Travel To Be Given Go Ahead

The certificate for the reopening of European Travel is set to be introduced in Ireland on July 19th.

However, mounting concerns over the Delta Variant have put this into question.

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Public Health Expert Says It's Not A Year For International Travel

There's growing concern among health officials about the Delta variant - which accounts for at least 20 per cent of cases here.

NPHET is due to meet on Wednesday to consider the next stage of reopening on July 5th, including indoor dining.

Professor Gabriel Scally believes that should be delayed - as should the planned restart of foreign travel from July 19th.

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Minister Of State For Sport Says No Covid-19 Cases identified At Live Pilot Events

Crowds ranging from 200 to more than 1,000 have gathered at various sporting and cultural events throughout June as part of the government's reopening plan. 

Two such events are taking place today, at the Curragh racecourse in Kildare and a concert in Killarney in Co. Kerry.

Minister of State Jack Chambers says attendances will be scaled up further over the coming months