Navan has Meath's highest rate of Covid-19

A further eight Covid-related deaths were notified to the Department of Health today along with 393 new cases, 15 of them in Meath.

Of the deaths notified today, three occurred in May, two in March and three in February or earlier.

The total number of people who have died with Covid is now 4,921 while the cumulative number of cases since the pandemic began is 251,474.

The number of people with coronavirus in ICU is 36, a reduction of one compared to yesterday. As of 8am today, 131 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised and there were 16 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Navan continued to have a very high rate of Covid -19 infection with 82 new cases in the two weeks up last Monday.

The rate of infection in Navan at 234.7 per 100,000 of population was almost twice the national average of 122.5 per 100k.

Four of Meath's six electoral areas had rates that are higher than the national figure - Ashbourne had 44 new cases and a rate of 151.3, Laytown /Bettystown had 51 cases and a rate of 149.5 and Trim had 40 cases and a rate of 128.2.

Kells had the lowest rate in the county at 92.6 per 100,000 and 30 new cases while in Ratoath the incidence rate was 105 and there were 35 new cases.

Of the cases notified today:

175 are men / 211 are women

79% are under 45 years of age

The median age is 28 years old

173 are in Dublin, 42 in Cork, 34 in Kildare, 26 in Donegal, 15 in Meath and the remaining 103 cases are spread across 20 other counties.

As of Tuesday 4th May, 1,655,866 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 1,201,373 people have received their first dose and 454,493 people have received their second dose

From Monday, 10th May, up to three households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said: "We all want the easing of restrictions next week to be a significant turning point in this pandemic.

"We have worked so hard to reduce the spread of this disease. More than 30% of adults have now been vaccinated with one dose of Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland and it is time to feel hopeful and to start planning our summer.

"The choices we make now are vital to minimise the incidence of Covid-19 throughout May and June. Prioritise being outside and avoid crowds."

Dr Holohan added: "Know the symptoms - self-isolate immediately and phone your GP if you have them. By protecting yourself, you are protecting everyone you know from infection."