Coronavirus Ireland: One further death and 318 new cases confirmed

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 8 additional deaths related to COVID-19.

Of today's cases, 126 are located in Dublin, with another 45 in Cork, 28 in Limerick, 21 in Donegal, 18 in Kildare and the remaining 80 cases spread across 18 other counties. There have been 12 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

The latest infections mean that the pandemic has seen a total of 70,461 confirmed cases, with 344 recorded yesterday.

Those under the age of 45 represent 69% of today's cases, while the median age is 32.

330 new cases have also been confirmed - the lowest daily figure in the last 10 days - with the national 14 day incidence rate falling to just over 113 cases per 100,000 population.

As of 2pm this Saturday, 269 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised with 32 in ICU.

An announcement on exiting the existing Level 5 restrictions is now expected to be made by the Government next Thursday evening.

Cafes, restaurants and hairdressers were allowed to reopen in the North today.