Pharmacy vaccinations
Over 750 pharmacies around the country have begun offering Covid vaccines to people aged between 18-34 from today.
The single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine will be administered in participating pharmacies around the country, with early demand indicating very low levels of vaccine hesitancy according to the Irish Pharmacy Union.
Pharmacies are urging people to be patient, and reminding those who wish to receive a vaccine that they must first book an appointment to receive their dose.
Case increases
The number of Covid-19 cases recorded in the State has jumped in the past week, with 562 cases reported by the Department of Health on Sunday, the highest daily increase in over two months.
Despite the increase in cases both in the Republic and the North, the number of people with the virus in hospital remains stable. On Sunday, there was 48 people in hospital with Covid in the State, 14 of whom were receiving treatment in intensive care.
Indoor hospitality
Representatives from the hospitality sector will meet with the Government again today to discuss how the return of indoor dining may be facilitated later this month.
Over the weekend, Minister for Foreign Affairs said antigen testing may form part of the approach to allow people who are not yet fully vaccinated, or have not recently recovered from the virus to eat and drink indoors, however, experts have warned against the use of antigen testing in such settings.
Chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummings is calling for a definite reopening date from the Government and a workable approach to 'corona passes'.
Restrictions eased
Despite the delay to the reopening of indoor dining, the easing of other restrictions is proceeding today.
The changes include:
- Crowds at outdoor events can increase to 200, or 500 at a venue with a capacity over 5,000.
- No limit on the number of vaccinated people, or those who have recently recovered from the virus, who can partake in a household visit.
- Guests at a wedding reception can increase to 50.
Donegal crash
Three people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Co Donegal on Sunday.
The crash occurred at Dunmore in Carrigans at approximately 7.05pm, with the driver, a woman in her 30s, and two passengers taken to Altnagelvin Hospital for treatment.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and road users who were in the area between 6.55pm-7.05pm to contact them at Letterkenny Garda Station.
