There have been four additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 545 new confirmed cases in Ireland.
There has now been a total of 4,903 deaths and 48,870 cases here.
These figures include the
Of the cases notified today:
- 294 are men / 244 are women
- 77% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 29 years old
There are 264 cases in Dublin, 58 in Kildare, 50 in Cork, 29 in Donegal and 28 in Galway.
The remaining 116 cases are spread across 21 other counties.
As of 8.00am today, 139 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised - of which 44 are in ICU.
There have been eight additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
As of April 28th, 1,487,043 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered: 1,067,378 first doses and 419,665 second doses
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said: "The easing of restrictions is a welcome and deserved turning point in our collective efforts to get through this pandemic.
"It is a step closer towards the shared national goal of suppressing COVID-19 and protecting the vulnerable.
"However, incidence around the country varies. Some areas are in a more precarious position than others.
"For example, while the national incidence rate is 125 per 100,000, Donegal currently stands at 295 per 100,000.
"This is extremely concerning for public health doctors locally.
"We are calling on community leaders in areas such as Donegal, where the virus is still circulating at dangerous levels, to encourage the people there to stick with the public health measures, especially if they are vulnerable or have yet to be vaccinated."
He added: "January was a difficult time for us as a country, but particularly tough for those in Donegal.
"It is important that we look forward now and work together to reduce incidence nationally, but also in our own locality.
"Your individual actions for the good of your neighbours and community do matter, and they will make all the difference."
