Ireland is getting set to proceed to the next step of reopening, with July 5 set to be a key date in that plan.
It is then that a large chunk of the restrictions on indoor gatherings is lifted - letting people go for a pint in a pub, have more visitors from other households and attend some sporting events while feeling safe.
However, the "dark cloud" from last month that was the Delta variant is starting to roll over the Irish Sea, as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of further lockdown before their planned reopening next month.
Here in Ireland though, we got three key updates.
Delta variant outbreak in Midlands after suspected house parties
The HSE has warned members of the public of a potential outbreak of the Delta variant in Athlone, Westmeath amid "reports of house parties".
In a statement released this evening, the HSE said that the Department of Public Health in the Midlands is investigating cases of COVID in the Athlone area that may be the Delta variant, but it's not yet confirmed by whole genome sequencing.
The authorities said that these cases are associated with socialising that occurred down by the river on the west side on Friday, June 11.
While it's not yet clear how transmission occurred, it may be that social distancing advice was not adhered to. There have also been reports of house parties that night.
Dr Holohan "concerned" about rise of variant
Dr Tony Holohan has sounded the alarm after a rise in the Delta variant in Ireland.
Though overall case numbers seem to have stabilised and the number of people in hospital continues to drop, there is major concern from health officials about the variant that originated in India.
The variant has caused chaos across Europe, particularly in the UK, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of further lockdowns as a result.
Dr Holohan took to social media after numbers were released with the grim statistics.
WHO urges Irish public to listen to travel advice
World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief, David Nabarro has recommended the Irish take more heed of the advice being issued by Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan on travel.
Although Dr Nabarro believes the guidelines here in Ireland have so far been on point in relation to travel with the virus, he said he believes things will change for the better in line with the implementation of the Digital Green Certificate.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio’s Claire Byrne, he said: “These are all rapidly changing situations, and they reflect the growing willingness of countries to work together on arrangements.
"I think for now I would solidly follow the advice of Dr Holohan and be quite careful about travel."
