Covid: Mayo's five-day moving average drops to 3.8

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of two additional deaths related to Covid-19.

There has been a total of 4,908 virus related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight on Monday the HPSC was notified of 383 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 250,672.

They include 'less than five' in Mayo, which has had 68 new cases in the past two weeks.

It leaves the county with a 14-day incidence rate of 52.1 - below the national average of 134.1.

Mayo's five-day moving average is down to 3.8.

Of the other 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 8 a.m. today, 144 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, of which 41 were in ICU.

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

Latest update on vaccines

As of last Sunday (May 2) there have been 1,604,644 doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

1,159,083 people have received their first dose.

445,561 people have received their second dose.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, the Department of Health said: "As we move closer to the easing of restrictions on May 10, 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.

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

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