Coronavirus: Over 1,400 Confirmed Cases In The Midlands

Department of Health confirms one further death.

Latest figures:

One more person with Covid-19 has passed away in the Republic.

The death toll from the disease since the beginning of the outbreak now stands at 1,679.

In the past 24 hours 25 new cases have been detected.

It brings the total number of positive tests in the country to 25,201.

One new case has been identified in the midlands.

Laois' new total now stands at 262.

Westmeath's total remains on 671, with 479 cases in Offaly

The midlands total for confirmed cases remains at 1,411.

Restaurants:

Nine in ten restaurants won't be able to re-open this month if social distancing rules don't change.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has warned the 2 metre rule simply isn't viable for it's members.

Reports today suggest that the guidelines could be relaxed for hospitality based businesses, who are due to open on June 29th.

RAI Chief Executive Adrian Cummins says the current rules are completely unworkable:

Global figures:

The number of deaths globally from Covid-19 has passed 400,000.

More than a quarter of fatalities have happened in the United States, while 40,000 people have lost their lives in the United Kingdom, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Across the world, just under 7 million people have tested positive for the disease since the coronavirus was reported to the WHO at the end of last year.

Churches:

The Catholic Church is asking for volunteers to clean churches so that some worshippers can start gathering for mass again in the weeks ahead.

Bishops say they need more parishioners to serve the Eucharist because some priests are still isolating themselves and aren't ready to go back to work.

They'll also need people to act as stewards to make sure social distancing guidelines are being adhered to.

Archbishop Eamon Martin is appealing to younger Catholics in particular to step up.

Public transport:

Laws to make the wearing of face masks mandatory on public transport are being considered by government.

The Sunday Independent reports there's concern that not many people are using them on busy buses or trains.

Dr. Gabriel Fitzpatrick, medical director of Trinity Clinics, isn't sure a new law is necessary:

Nurses:

President Michael D Higgins has paid video tribute to nurses across Ireland.

He made the comments in an address to graduates of DCU's School of Nursing.

He said as a nation facing the challenge of the coronavirus crisis we have all been "inspired by the remarkable courage, compassion and generosity of those in our health services":

Remote working:

The explosion in remote working has led to a wave of anxiety over a need to be "always on".

That's one of the findings in a new survey from the Irish Computer Society on changes in work practices since the restrictions linked to Covid-19 were introduced.

Other findings were an increased workload for IT departments, online meeting fatigue, IT security issues and problems with home broadband and wifi.

Jim Friars CEO of the ICS says many workers are becoming exhausted:

Driving Test:

The Road Safety Authority says certain drivers will be prioritised when NCT tests resume tomorrow.

These include those affected by the car lift issue and anyone else who has been unable to complete their full inspection.

NCT centres will be gradually reopened on a phased bases along with the National Driver Licence Service and Driver Theory Test.

Road Safety Authority spokesperson, Brian Farrell says you should check online if your local NCT centre is open or not:

Older people:

ALONE says it's brilliant we're moving into a new phase in the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

It's welcoming the news shops are to reopen from tomorrow - they have to provide dedicated hours for over 70s.

Older people will also be able to have visitors of up to six people to their home.

ALONE CEO, Sean Moynihan says up to now it's been very hard for them not to meet people:

Shops:

The Health Minister is encouraging people not to camp-out to be first in line to the re-opening of shops on Monday.

As part of Phase 2, non-essential stores will be allowed reopen.

Penneys will welcome back customers from next Friday, with social media users saying they will sleep outside stores to get products first.

Minister Simon Harris says it's not advisable, and wants people to use cop on:

UK:

The British Prime Minister's expected to allow places of worship to reopen in Britain from the 15th of June.

Boris Johnson will update the UK Cabinet on the next steps of easing lockdown measures for a number of sectors on Tuesday.

It's thought churches, synagogues, mosques and temples will have to adapt to social-distancing measures to allow for prayer in a Covid-secure way.

Local figures:

Nine more people with Covid-19 have died here and there are 24 new confirmed cases.

The National Public Health Emergency Team says the death toll has reached 1,678 and the total number of people infected is 25,183.

Healthcare workers make up 8,059 of cases.

No new cases confirmed in the midlands. 

Westmeath's total remains on 671, with 479 cases in Offaly and Laois on 261.

The midlands total for confirmed cases remains at 1,410.