After a long stretch of harsh lockdown restrictions, Ireland will continue its major reopening in the next week.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the nation last month where he outlined plans for a full exit from lockdown with his summer Covid-19 plans.
From Wednesday, accommodation services (hotels, B&Bs, hostels and self-catering) can reopen.
Next week will mark a significant change in the country with pubs and restaurants finally set to reopen for outdoor dining while gyms and cinemas will also welcome customers again.
But things are not all rosy.
There was major doubt cast on the plans over the weekend both by public health officials and government leaders following a number of mass gatherings across the country.
Here are three major Covid updates for today.
The future of the PUP
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is set to be cut considerably later this year.
Government leaders are meeting on Tuesday to finalise their plans for phasing out the social welfare support which is currently claimed by over 300,000 people.
It will come with the promise that there will be “no cliff edge”, but over a number of months it will nearly be halved from €350 down to the regular unemployment rate of just over €200.
This means that there will be no cuts until the end of the summer, with plans to go before ministers’ approval today calling for a series of €50 cuts across the autumn and winter.
Students will also be kicked off the scheme in September as they head back to college and no new entrants will be allowed.
The full Cabinet will have a discussion on these proposals at a meeting this morning and will have the final collective say.
Boost for vaccine rollout as pharmacies given the all clear
Pharmacies will be administering vaccinations from this month, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said.
Mr Donnelly was speaking in the Seanad on Tuesday when he made the announcement.
He also confirmed that the registration portal for 40 to 44 year olds would open this week for them to get their first dose.
Mr Donnelly said that those aged 44 will be able to register on Wednesday, with 43 year olds able to register on Thursday, those aged 42 on Friday, 41 on Saturday and 40 year olds on Sunday.
Hospital numbers see big drop
The number of patients in Irish hospitals with Covid-19 fell by 16 overnight.
This morning, 83 people are suffering with the virus in wards, a drop from 99 this time yesterday.
35 people are in ICU.
HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid tweeted: "(This is) a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of vaccinations & continued public support. Let's celebrate the positives too, whilst highlighting risks."
