There have been 624 new cases of Covid-19 reported this evening along with 2 additional deaths.
This takes the total number of people who have died with Covid-19 in Ireland to 4,653 while the case count in the State has risen to 233,937.
Of the cases today, 308 are in Dublin, with 41 in Kildare, 38 in Donegal, 31 in Meath, and 29 in Offaly.
304 Covid patients are in hospital. 64 of these people are in ICU.
Earlier today, it was announced that the number of patients in ICUs with Covid-19 is down 70% from its peak and to its lowest number since January 2.
At present, there are 64 people in intensive care units with the disease this morning, down two from last night.
It's the lowest figure since the start of the year, when there were 56 people in ICUs, and a dramatic fall from the 221 patient peak in the same month.
The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals has also dropped 85% overall since January when there were 2,020 patients admitted. There are now 304 confirmed cases in hospitals.
Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO Paul Reid also said he was “thankful” to see a decline in new admissions compared to January of this year.
But while these figures are welcomed by many frontline healthcare workers, Mr Reid urged caution, stating that the decline was happening “slower than we would all like” as Dublin remains the county with the highest incidence rate of new confirmed cases.
However, in terms of Ireland's vaccine programme, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has stopped vaccinations being provided at the Beacon Hospital.
The private hospital's management has been heavily criticised after it emerged it gave spare vaccines to staff at a private school, St Gerard's in Bray, Co Wicklow.
On Friday morning, the hospital released a statement explaining its decision and apologising for the anger caused.
The Health Minister has now stepped in to stop vaccines being given at the hospital, except for those who have already been scheduled to receive the jab.
Mr Donnelly also described the scandal as "entirely inappropriate and completely unacceptable".
The full statement from Minister Donnelly reads: "Ireland’s vaccination programme is the most important public health programme in living memory.
"It is essential that the programme is run in accordance with the agreed prioritisation in order to maximise the benefit of the vaccination programme and the speed with which Ireland can emerge from COVID-19 measures.
"The provision of vaccines by the Beacon Hospital to a school was entirely inappropriate and completely unacceptable.
"I have considered this matter carefully and have worked with the HSE to assess the operational implications of suspending vaccine operations at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin.
"I have now asked the HSE to suspend vaccine operations at the Beacon Hospital with the exception of those people who have already been scheduled to get their vaccine at the centre.
"Alternative arrangements are being put in place by the HSE.
"In addition, I have asked the HSE to appoint a senior official to immediately examine what happened and make recommendations regarding any actions or changes required."
In terms of further bad news for health authorities and the government to contend with, earlier this evening, three people left a mandatory hotel quarantine facility in Dublin.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said that they are "liaising with the State Liaison Officer at a designated quarantine facility in the Dublin area, in accordance with current protocols.
"As the Department of Health are the lead agency in relation to the management of mandatory quarantining, An Garda Síochána will not be commenting further at this time.
One of the three people has been located, while the search for the other two continues.
A statement from the Department of Health reaffirmed that it is a criminal offence if people do not fulfil the legal requirement to present for mandatory hotel quarantine, and also if they resist being brought to quarantine or if they leave a designated facility without authorisation.
The statement adds: “A person found guilty of these or other relevant offences is liable for a fine of up to €2,000, imprisonment for 1 month, or both. An Garda Síochána will investigate any suspected offences and enforce these laws.
As of yesterday, all passengers arriving into Ireland from designated states are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay which is to last 12 days.
