LAST UPDATE | 4 May 2021

A FURTHER 383 cases of Covid-19 have been reported by public health officials this evening.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) also confirmed that two more people with Covid-19 have died.

This now brings the total Covid-19 death toll to 4,908 and the total number of confirmed cases to 250,672.

Of the cases notified today:

• 194 are men and 189 are women
• 79% are under 45 years of age
• The median age is 28 years old
• 129 in Dublin, 40 in Kildare, 32 in Meath, 25 in Donegal, 25 in Louth and the remaining 132 cases are spread across 21 other counties.

As of 8am today, 144 patients with Covid-19 are hospitalised, including 41 in ICU.

10 additional hospitalisations have been made in the past 24 hours.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that “as we move closer to the easing of restrictions on 10 May, we can look forward to opportunities to enjoy the better weather and to meeting with our family and close friends safely and with the public health measures in mind”.

“The virus is still circulating in the community and is still a risk, particularly to those who have yet to be vaccinated,” Dr Holohan said.

“Collectively we know how to interrupt the spread of this disease, so when you are making plans for coming week, don’t underestimate the need to keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and wash your hands,” he said.

“And if it’s crowded, turn around and come back another time. Together these simple measures will minimise the risk of infection.”

The 14 day-incidence rate is highest today in Donegal at 306.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Kildare follows at 266.1 per 100,000, Westmeath at 207.3, and Dublin at 189.8.

The national 14-day incidence rate is 134.1 per 100,000, and the county with the lowest incidence is Kerry at 13.5, where fewer than five new cases were confirmed today.

Validation of data at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has led to one case that was previously confirmed being denotified, which is reflected in the current total of 250,672.

As of Sunday, 2 May, 1,604,644 doses of vaccines against Covid-19 have been administered in Ireland, including 1,159,083 first doses and 445,561 second doses.

Additional reporting by Lauren Boland