25 deaths but Covid-19 intensive care patients numbers drop below 100 for first time

New figures show the number of people being treated for Covid 19 in intensive care units has dropped below 100.

It is the first time that's happened in more than a month - with the figure at 99 as of last night.

Dr John Cuddihy, Director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, says we need to see even more progress - and ensure there is no second wave.

"It is doubly important now that we continue that discipline of adhering to the guidelines in order to not lose the ground gained.

"This particular illness [...] once contained, there is no guarantee that if people don't maintain that discipline that it doesn't increase again."

Today's update from the National Public Health Emergency Team confirmed a total of 25 people with COVID-19 have died in Ireland. There have now been a total 1,286 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of 11am Saturday 2 May, the HPSC has been notified of 343 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 21,176 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Meanwhile, a leading expert says recommending that people wear face coverings is a "no brainer".

It is expected health officials will require people to use them in some shops and on public transport when restrictions are eased.