Latest news updates on Friday 19th June.
Latest figures:
Hairdressers:
Hairdressers and barbers could be allowed to re-open sooner than planned.
The government is considering new advice today on whether to allow them open on June 29th, three weeks earlier than planned.
Ministers are also looking at guidance from the National Public Health Emergency Team in relation to weddings and cinemas.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says even as the lockdown is lifted, people will need to get used to a new normal:
Ireland's COVID-19 Data Hub has details of the number of confirmed cases at Electoral Division Level: https://t.co/WOhbMrk44g
— Midlands103 (@Midlands103) June 19, 2020
Dylan Bradshaw, from Dylan Bradshaw Hair Salon in Dublin, believes people won't be too reluctant to come back to hairdressers after the Covid-19 crisis:
Mental Health:
One in three people say they felt sadder under lockdown than before it.
A survey from Ulster Bank has found older people are most affected.
While 70 percent of people say they're worried about the future of their health and financial security.
CEO of St Patrick's Mental Health Services Paul Gilligan says they're working to help the public deal with that anxiety:
Face masks:
A bookshop owner says reaction to a mask-wearing policy has been mostly positive, despite calls for a boycott of the store.
Joan Lucey, who owns Vibes And Scribes in Cork City, is asking customers bring their own masks or to make a charity donation to pick one up in store.
Some replies to a social media post called for people to boycott the shop.
Joan Lucey says it hasn't had much of an impact, but adds she would still be wary:
Schools in Northern Ireland:
Principals in Northern Ireland are expected to get guidance today on how schools will operate when they fully reopen in August.
Yesterday it was announced that social distancing rules will be relaxed from two metres to one for pupils.
Graham Gault is a principal of a primary school in Co. Antrim and says he still has some things he needs to get cleared-up:
Scotland:
Anyone who's been shielding from coronavirus can go outside to exercise in Scotland, from today.
Those most vulnerable have been told to completely self-isolate for more than three months.
It's part of a series of announcements to slowly ease lockdown restrictions.
People are also able to meet other households at the same time while outdoors.
Local figures:
One new case has been cofirmed in the midlands.
That's in Offaly and brings the county's total to 482.
Westmeath remains on 680 and Laois on 264.
The total number of confirmed cases in the midlands stands at 1,416.



Laois Parks Honoured With Green Flags For Community And Environmental Excellence
Laois Sports Hub Opens For Visually Impaired and Physically Disabled Athletes
Nominations Open For 2026 Offaly Business Awards
IFA Welcomes Sean Kelly’s Lead Role In EU CAP Environmental Report
Kare Honours Three Decades Of Community Employment Success
Enterprise Minister Defends Construction Sector Numbers
Medication Management Failings Flagged At Disability Centre In Laois
Laois TD Questions Farm Plastics Recycling Scheme Over Site Clearance
Government’s Long Awaited Housing Strategy Criticised By Sinn Féin
Former GAA Referee Sentenced To Six Years And Nine Months For Abuse Of Niece
Approval Delays Leave Laois Town Vulnerable With Flooding
Offaly Journalist Recognised As Podcast Wins News & Current Affairs Award
Taoiseach Pledges To Support Fastway Workers And Contractors
Man Released In Laois Under Cross-Border Terrorism Investigation Linked To Sinn Fein Senator
Strong Winds And Rain Expected Today For Most Of Country
Man Arrested In Relation To Terrorism-Related Laois Investigation Released
Midlands Autism Group Calls For Action As 16,000 Children Await Assessments
Westmeath Heritage Park Awarded Funding Under Rural Tourism Fund
Blooming Minds Circle Creates Community For Neurodivergent Children In Laois
Weather Warning Issued For 13 Counties