After a week which saw NPHET appear before the Oireachtas to defend their stance on antigen testing and the Irish public getting an update on the rules around pubs, today is set to be another major day in the battle with Covid-19.
Last night, 329 more people were confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus in Ireland.
The latest figures were confirmed on Wednesday evening by the Department of Health.
But there is some positive news incoming. Here are four key updates.
Data saved from HSE cyberattack set to be re-uploaded as hospital numbers drop to new low
The HSE will hold their weekly operational update on the Covid-19 situation in Ireland later on Thursday.
Members will address the press at 2pm from Dr Steevens' Hospital, where it is hoped that there will be an update on the re-uploading of vital data that had been inaccessible due to the cyberattack on systems.
Data such as the incidence rates for local electorate areas (LEAS) and the total number of people vaccinated has not been able to be accessed since May 10.
But RTE Prime Time Mark Coughlan has said that a re-upload is 'expected' on Thursday or Friday.
Hospital numbers drop to new low
One stat we do know is that the number of Covid-19 patients in Irish hospitals has hit its lowest total for over nine months.
As of 8am yesterday, 57 people were suffering with the disease in hospital.
That's the lowest number since September 13 of last year.
19 people are currently in ICU - which is another new low since September 29 of last year.
Dr Tony Holohan awarded Freedom of Dublin
Dr Tony Holohan has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin on behalf of all healthcare workers.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu conferred the honorary award on the Chief Medical Officer after reaching an agreement with all Dublin City Councillors.
The honour was awarded to recognise the "immense effort and tireless work" carried out by Dr Holohan's team and all healthcare workers in Ireland throughout the course of the pandemic.
The resolution was passed at a council meeting on June 6, and the conferral ceremony took place in the Oak Room of the Mansion House in Dawson Street on Tuesday, with just Dr Holohan’s family present.
Leo Varadkar provides lockdown update
July's big lockdown reopenings are right on track, according to Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
The Government will hold another crunch meeting before the end of the month to formally sign off on the stage of lockdown lifting moves.
The main ones for July are going to be the reopening of pubs and restaurants indoors on July 5th and the resumption of international travel on July 19th.
Both of these are on course, but Tánaiste Varadkar said that the Government is still ‘keeping an eye’ on the worrying situation in England with the spread of the Delta variant.
