Dr Colin Henry explained that home visits for up to six people at a time were permitted from Monday.

Seven deaths announced as phase 2 of roadmap revised

In the day that the fast-tracking of the roadmap for removal of restrictions was announced, the authorities were informed of the deaths of a further seven people with COVID-19.

The death toll from Coronavirus in the Republic now stands at 1,670.

As of midnight Thursday, June 4 the HPSC has been notified of 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing to 25,163 the total number of confirmed cases.

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Wednesday 3 June (25,135 cases), reveals that in County Cavan there were a further eight confirmed cases, with the total increasing to 854; in Monaghan meanwhile there were a further six confirmed cases, giving a total of 527.

Taking a national view of the 25,135 cases, 57% are female and 43% are male; the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years; 3,312 cases (13%) have been hospitalised; of those hospitalised, 410 cases have been admitted to ICU; 8,046 cases are associated with healthcare workers. · Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 39%, close contact accounts for 59%, travel abroad accounts for 2%.

Today, Government confirmed Ireland’s progression into Phase Two of Ireland’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business will proceed on Monday, June 8.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “As we move to Phase Two, the Government has introduced a range of new measures in line with the advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

“It is our individual behaviours and personal choices that will ultimately influence what course this disease takes over the coming weeks and months.”

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “The reopening of playgrounds in public locations and outdoor amenities including zoos, animal parks and summer camps, as well as the summer education programme for children with special educational needs, are some of the measures that is hoped will ease the severity of this pandemic on children and their families.”

Dr. Colm Henry (pictured), Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said; “Phase Two provides vulnerable groups scope for home visits of up to 6 people for a short period of time, however it is vitally important that all visits to homes of vulnerable people be compliant with hand hygiene practices, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing of 2 metres. It is hoped as we move through phases, that life becomes easier for severely impacted groups but that their safety is maintained at all times.”