A further 1,754 cases and 11 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 93,532 cases and 2,248 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[1]
A further 3,394 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 96,926 cases and 2,252 deaths.[3]
It was revealed that there were approximately 9,000 positive COVID-19 tests not yet logged on the HSE's IT systems, due to both limitations in the software; and lack of staff to check and input details, meaning there is an effective ceiling of approximately 1,700 to 2,000 cases that can be logged each day.[4]
The Director of the National Virus Reference LaboratoryCillian de Gascun announced that a further 9 cases of the UK variant of COVID-19 had been detected in the Republic of Ireland from 23 December to 29 December, bringing the total number of cases identified to 16.[5]
3 January – a further 4,962 cases and 7 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 101,887 cases and 2,259 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[6]
4 January – a further 6,110 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 107,997 cases and 2,265 deaths.[7]
5 January
A further 5,325 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 113,322 cases and 2,282 deaths.[8]
A 95-year-old woman became the first nursing home resident in the Republic of Ireland to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.[9]
An infectious diseases consultant became the first healthcare worker in the Mater University Hospital to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.[10]
A further 7,836 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 121,154 cases and 2,299 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[12]
The Government of Ireland agreed a number of new lockdown measures including the closure of all schools until February with Leaving Certificate students allowed to attend school for three days a week,[13] the closure of all non-essential construction sites with certain exceptions at 6pm on 8 January, the requirement from 9 January for all passengers from the UK and South Africa to have a negative PCR test that they acquired within 72 hours of travelling and the prohibition of click-and-collect services for non-essential retail.[14]
Following the approval of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by the European Medicines Agency on 6 January 2021, TánaisteLeo Varadkar announced that the vaccine would allow 10,000 more people in Ireland to be vaccinated per week.[15]
A further 6,521 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 127,657 cases and 2,307 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified.[17]
The rollout of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in private and voluntary nursing homes began nationwide, with 22 nursing homes of 3,000 residents and staff to be vaccinated.[19]
TánaisteLeo Varadkar announced that the government would consider banning the sale of alcohol after a certain time in a day, while all pubs, restaurants and other businesses were set to remain closed until April.[20]
8 January
A further 8,248 cases and 20 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 135,884 cases and 2,327 deaths. 21 previously notified cases were de-notified.[21]
In a statement from NPHET, Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan confirmed that three cases of the South African variant of COVID-19 had been detected in the Republic of Ireland by whole genome sequencing associated with travel from South Africa.[22]
9 January – a further 4,824 cases (including 1 probable case) and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 140,727 cases and 2,336 deaths.[23]
10 January – a further 6,888 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 147,613 cases and 2,344 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[24]
11 January
A further 4,929 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 152,539 cases and 2,352 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[25]
The purchase of alcohol with supermarket vouchers as well as a number of multi-buy schemes were banned under new legislation that came into effect.[26]
Figures revealed by the Our World in Data organisation showed that Ireland had the highest daily number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world for every million people.[27]
Gardaí received new COVID-19 enforcement powers, including the power to fine people €100 in breach in the 5 km travel limit.[28]
12 January
A further 3,086 cases and 46 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 155,591 cases and 2,397 deaths. 34 previously notified cases were de-notified.[29]
The Government of Ireland agreed that all passengers arriving into Ireland would need a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before departure from Saturday 16 January.[30]
The first shipment of the Moderna vaccine arrived in the Republic of Ireland.[31]
A further 3,569 cases and 63 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 159,144 cases and 2,460 deaths. 16 previously notified cases were de-notified.[33]
A further 3,955 cases and 28 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 163,057 cases and 2,488 deaths. 42 previously notified cases were de-notified.[35]
Gardaí issued 29 fines to people breaching the 5 km travel limit over the previous 7 days including three people who travelled 80 km to "collect burgers from a takeaway" in Ringsend, Dublin.[36]
A further 3,498 cases and 50 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 166,548 cases and 2,536 deaths. 7 previously notified cases were de-notified.[38]
A further 3,231 cases and 60 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 169,780 cases and 2,595 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 7 cases were de-notified.[40]
Around 1,800 healthcare workers received the Moderna vaccine at three mass vaccination centres that opened in Dublin, Galway and Portlaoise.[41]
The Department of Health announced the suspension of all nursing and midwifery student placements for two weeks due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staffing levels.[42]
17 January
A further 2,944 cases and 13 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 172,726 cases and 2,608 deaths.[43]
A further 2,121 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 174,843 cases and 2,616 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[46]
The number of patients with COVID-19 being treated in hospitals around the country reached a record 2,023, with 200 in ICUs and over 400 people receiving high-grade ventilation and respiratory support.[47]
19 January
A further 2,001 cases and 93 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 176,839 cases and 2,708 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 5 cases were de-notified.[48]
The Government of Ireland was forced to abandon plans to reopen special schools on Thursday 21 January for thousands of children with special educational needs following safety concerns among staff unions.[49]
20 January
A further 2,488 cases and 61 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 179,324 cases and 2,768 deaths. 1 previously notified deaths and 3 cases were de-notified.[50]
21 January – a further 2,608 cases and 51 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 181,922 cases and 2,818 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified.[52]
22 January
A further 2,371 cases and 52 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 184,279 cases and 2,870 deaths. 14 previously notified cases were de-notified.[53]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin confirmed that there would be no easing of Level 5 lockdown restrictions at the end of January and suggested the current restrictions would be in place for at least another four weeks.[54]
Gardaí issued 771 fines to people breaching the 5 km travel limit since 11 January with the majority issued in Wicklow, Cork, Laois and Longford, while 30 fines were issued for the non-wearing of face coverings in certain locations.[55]
Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Colm Henry stated that COVID-19 transmission levels remained too high for schools to reopen in February.[56]
A further 1,910 cases and 77 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 186,184 cases and 2,947 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[58]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin stated that COVID-19 vaccinations for people over the age of 70 may be delayed due to issues with the supply of the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and also stated that COVID-19 restrictions would be in place for at least the first six months of the year and that not all of the 1 million students nationwide would be back in school before St Patrick's Day.[59]
24 January – a further 1,378 cases and 23 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 187,554 cases and 2,970 deaths. 8 previously notified cases were de-notified.[60]
25 January
A further 1,372 cases and 7 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 188,923 cases and 2,977 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[61]
Gardaí warned that foreign holidays were not deemed essential as 1,500 fines were issued to people breaching the 5 km travel limit in the previous two weeks.[62]
A meat processing plant in Bunclody, County Wexford confirmed 42 cases of COVID-19 following screening of all staff on 15 January.[63]
26 January
A further 928 cases and 90 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 189,851 cases and 3,066 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified.[64]
In a statement from NPHET, Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan confirmed that a further 6 cases of the South African variant of COVID-19 had been detected in the Republic of Ireland.[65]
The Government of Ireland announced the extension of the Level 5 lockdown restrictions until 5 March, along with a number of new measures including a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all people travelling into the country without a negative COVID-19 test, including all arrivals from Brazil and South Africa.[66]
The Government made the wearing of face coverings in all banks, credit unions and post offices mandatory.[67]
Talks between the Department of Education and unions continued with hopes that schools would be able to reopen on a phased basis between February and March.[68]
27 January – a further 1,335 cases and 54 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 191,182 cases and 3,120 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[69]
28 January – a further 1,466 cases and 47 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 192,645 cases and 3,167 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[70]
29 January
A further 1,254 cases and 48 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 193,892 cases and 3,214 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 7 cases were de-notified.[71]
Ireland was expected to receive 300,000 fewer doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March as a result of a shortfall in deliveries to the EU.[72]
Gardaí issued more than 2,400 fines to people breaching the 5 km travel limit in the previous two weeks, including a man who travelled 200 km to "collect a puppy as a gift" in Cork.[73]
30 January
A further 1,414 cases and 79 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 195,303 cases and 3,292 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 3 cases were de-notified.[74]
Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan announced that more cases had been confirmed in one month than throughout 2020 with over 1,000 deaths and more than 100,000 cases confirmed in January.[75]
The Director of the National Virus Reference LaboratoryCillian de Gascun stated that there was no significant transmission of the South African COVID-19 variant in Ireland as cases of the variant identified had been contained.[76]
31 January – a further 1,247 cases and 15 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 196,547 cases and 3,307 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[77]
February 2021[]
February 2021
1 February
A further 1,062 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 197,553 cases and 3,317 deaths. 57 previously notified cases were de-notified.[78]
The Department of Education agreed to reopen special schools with 50% capacity on Thursday 11 February and special classes in mainstream schools on Monday 22 February.[79]
Latest figures showed that in the last 4 days of January, Gardaí fined 280 people at Dublin Airport for leaving the country for non-essential travel, while more than 3,500 fines had been issued in total for breaches of COVID-19 regulations, with 2,100 fines for travelling without a reasonable excuse.[80]
A nursing home in Tuam, County Galway appealed for help from qualified nurses following the deaths of 12 residents due to COVID-19.[81]
It was announced that more than 30 residents of 4 Cork nursing homes and a community hospital in Kerry died in the previous two weeks following COVID-19 outbreaks.[82]
2 February
A further 879 cases and 101 deaths (the highest number of confirmed deaths recorded in a single day since the pandemic began) were reported, bringing the totals to 198,424 cases and 3,418 deaths. 8 previously notified cases were de-notified.[83]
Latest figures showed a total of 1,543 staff and residents in nursing homes died during the pandemic with 369 in January alone.[84]
3 February
A further 1,013 cases and 94 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 199,430 cases and 3,512 deaths. 7 previously notified cases were de-notified.[85]
A further 1,318 cases and 75 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 200,744 cases and 3,586 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 4 cases were de-notified.[88]
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Ireland surpassed 200,000 cases, with over half confirmed in 2021.[89]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly signed new regulations that empower Gardaí to call to the homes of people who arrive from international travel and ensure that they are abiding by mandatory quarantine rules, with a €2,500 fine or an imprisonment sentence of 6 months for non-compliance.[90]
5 February
A further 1,047 cases and 35 deaths were reported, bringing the totals 201,763 cases and 3,621 deaths. 28 previously notified cases were de-notified.[91]
Gardaí issued more than 375 fines to people breaching the 5 km travel limit over the previous 7 days, bringing the total number of breaches to over 4,600.[92]
A further 827 cases and 55 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 202,548 cases and 3,674 deaths. 42 previously notified cases were de-notified.[94]
The first shipment of 21,600 AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the Republic of Ireland.[95]
7 February – a further 1,024 cases and 12 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 203,568 cases and 3,686 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[96]
8 February – A further 829 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 204,397 cases and 3,687 deaths. 5 previously notified deaths were de-notified.[97]
9 February
A further 556 cases and 68 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 204,940 cases and 3,752 deaths. 3 previously notified deaths and 13 cases were de-notified.[98]
The Government of Ireland announced funding of €160 million in additional supports for businesses affected by COVID-19.[99]
TánaisteLeo Varadkar announced that the Government is working on a revised version of the "Living with COVID-19" plan which he hoped would be announced in the week of 22 February.[100]
Latest figures released by NPHET showed that more than one in three deaths from COVID-19 in February reported were associated with outbreaks in nursing homes.[101]
10 February
A further 1,006 cases and 54 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 205,939 cases and 3,794 deaths. 12 previously notified deaths and 7 cases were de-notified.[102]
The World Health Organization praised Ireland's recovery from the third wave of COVID-19 but warned of the danger of a fourth wave.[106]
11 February
A further 866 cases and 52 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 206,801 deaths 3,846 cases. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[107]
Up to 4,000 children with additional educational needs returned to in-person education as special schools nationwide reopened their doors, under plans agreed between the Department of Education and teacher and SNA trade unions.[108]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin stated that the majority of the current Level 5 lockdown restrictions were set to be extended until the Easter period, with only schools and the construction sector likely to be allowed to reopen before Easter.[110]
The CEO of the HSE Paul Reid suggested that healthcare workers who refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine may be removed from their frontline duties.[111]
12 February
A further 921 cases and 23 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 207,720 cases and 3,865 deaths. 4 previously notified deaths and 2 cases were de-notified.[112]
The Department of Health added a further 18 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel.[113] The countries added were: Angola, Austria, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Zimbabwe.[114]
The Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory GroupPhilip Nolan stated that it would be at least six weeks before COVID-19 cases drop to around 100 a day and that the country should be at around 200–400 cases a day heading into March and approaching 100–200 cases a day by the end of March.[115]
Gardaí issued more than 6,500 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations over the past month, with over 4,900 fines issued for non-essential travel.[116]
It was confirmed that the traditional St Patrick's Day meeting between US President Joe Biden and TaoiseachMicheál Martin at the White House would take place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[117]
13 February
A further 1,078 cases and 66 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 208,796 cases and 3,931 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[118]
The pace of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Ireland was set to increase from Monday 15 February with the first doses administered to over-85s in the community and the first widespread use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.[120]
14 February – a further 788 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 209,582 cases and 3,948 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[121]
15 February
A further 821 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 210,402 cases and 3,948 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[122]
Vaccines officially began for the third cohort in Ireland's prioritisation list, with over 80,000 people expected to receive COVID-19 vaccines.[124]
It was announced that two universities in Galway and Limerick had been hit by major COVID-19 outbreaks of up to nearly 250 confirmed cases due to students breaching Level 5 lockdown regulations, which caused clusters of infection involving up to 40 people.[125]
16 February – a further 744 cases and 33 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 211,113 cases and 3,980 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 33 cases were de-notified.[126]
17 February
A further 650 cases and 57 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 211,751 cases and 4,036 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 12 cases were de-notified.[127]
18 February – a further 901 cases and 47 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 212,647 cases and 4,082 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 5 cases were de-notified.[130]
19 February
A further 763 cases and 28 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 213,400 cases and 4,109 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 10 cases were de-notified.[131]
Deputy Chief Medical OfficerRonan Glynn confirmed that three cases of the Brazilian variant of COVID-19 had been detected in the Republic of Ireland all associated with travel from Brazil.[132]
Strict Level 5 restrictions were expected to remain in place until May as all primary school students were to return by 15 March, with the first four classes in primary schools and Leaving Certificate students the first to return on 1 March.[133]
Latest figures showed that as of 18 February, Gardaí had issued over 8,000 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 6,500 fines issued for non-essential travel and 944 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[134]
A further 988 cases and 26 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 214,378 cases and 4,135 deaths. 10 previously notified cases were de-notified.[136]
Nearly 1,000 patients over the age of 85 received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at the country's first mass vaccination centre at The Helix in Dublin City University.[138]
21 February
A further 679 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 215,057 cases and 4,136 deaths.[139]
Facebook shut down and restricted access to a number of Instagram accounts that were advertising an illegal "lockdown rave" on St Patrick's Day.[140]
22 February
A further 686 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 215,743 cases and 4,137 deaths.[141]
Special classes in mainstream primary and secondary schools reopened as the phased reopening of schools continued.[142]
23 February
A further 575 cases and 45 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 216,300 cases and 4,181 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 8 cases were de-notified.[143]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin announced the extension of Level 5 lockdown restrictions for another six weeks until 5 April (Easter Monday) at the earliest as the Government of Ireland published its new revised Living with COVID-19 plan called "The Path Ahead", which includes the phased reopening of schools and childcare and the extension of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.[144]
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Path Ahead[]
24 February
A further 574 cases and 56 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 216,870 cases and 4,237 deaths. Among the deaths confirmed was a 16-year-old teenager.[146] 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[147]
TánaisteLeo Varadkar addressed a meeting of Fine GaelTDs, Senators and MEPs and stated that criticism of how the Government had been communicating was reasonable, had been heard loud and clear, and would be taken on board, after a number of Fine Gael politicians launched an attack on TaoiseachMicheál Martin over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.[148]
25 February
A further 613 cases and 35 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 217,478 cases and 4,271 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[149]
The Director of the National Virus Reference LaboratoryCillian de Gascun confirmed that the first case of the B.1.525 variant of COVID-19, first identified in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, had been detected in the Republic of Ireland, while a further four cases of the South African variant had been detected, bringing the total to 15.[150]
26 February
A further 776 cases and 29 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 218,251 cases and 4,300 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[151]
The Department of Health added a further 13 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel, which brought the total number of countries added to 33.[152] The countries added were: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.[153]
Deputy Chief Medical OfficerRonan Glynn issued a letter appealing to parents to adhere to public health guidelines and not to congregate at school gates or to organise play dates, ahead of schools reopening and the return of 320,000 students from Monday 1 March.[154]
Latest figures released by the CSO showed that Dublin, Donegal, Limerick, Louth and Monaghan were the hardest hit counties in terms of cases, while Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Mayo and Monaghan were the counties with the most deaths.[155]
Latest figures showed that as of 25 February, Gardaí had issued over 9,800 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 7,566 fines issued for non-essential travel and 1,386 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[156]
27 February
A further 738 cases and 13 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 218,980 cases and 4,313 deaths. 9 previously notified cases were de-notified.[157]
23 people were arrested and 3 Gardaí were injured (including one hospitalised), as around 500 protesters took part in an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre, with fireworks being fired at Gardaí, while St Stephen's Green and the Iveagh Gardens closed in advance of the protest. The protest was widely condemned by the gardaí and politicians, including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice.[158]
28 February
A further 612 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 219,592 cases and 4,319 deaths.[159]
Ireland officially marked one year since the first case of COVID-19 in the country was confirmed on 29 February 2020.[160]
13 people, including 12 men and 1 woman, were charged and remanded in custody for public order offences after anti-lockdown protests in Dublin city centre turned violent on 27 February, while TánaisteLeo Varadkar stated that the violence on the streets of Dublin was "not a protest and was a riot".[161]
March 2021[]
March 2021
1 March
A further 687 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 220,273 cases and 4,319 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 6 cases were de-notified.[162]
Over 320,000 junior primary school pupils and Leaving Certificate students nationwide returned to school for the first time since Christmas.[163]
A school in north Dublin confirmed a case of COVID-19 on the first day of reopening schools nationwide as parents received an urgent letter from the school.[164]
2 March
A further 359 cases and 14 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 220,630 cases and 4,333 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[165]
A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with a firework attack on Gardaí at a violent anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre on 27 February.[166]
Three men in their 20s were arrested and more than 50 fixed payment notices were issued in Limerick after Gardaí broke up a street party involving large groups of students drinking, dancing, singing and setting of fireworks, near the University of Limerick.[167]
A secondary school in Cork confirmed a case of COVID-19 while a south Dublin school announced its closure due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 just one day after schools reopened.[168]
3 March
A further 566 cases and 25 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 221,189 cases and 4,357 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 7 cases were de-notified.[169]
One of the three men arrested following a street party in Castletroy, Limerick on the night of 2 March was charged with public order offences, as the University of Limerick warned that any student who were found breaking the university's code of conduct could face temporary suspension or expulsion, while Minister for JusticeHelen McEntee urged young people to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.[170]
Jake Merriman, a 30-year-old man, appeared in court charged in connection with a firework attack on Gardaí at an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre on 27 February.[171]
4 March
A further 462 cases and 39 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 221,649 cases and 4,396 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[172]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that a single outbreak of COVID-19 among students in the west of the country had led to more than 442 further cases in more than 200 separate household outbreaks, involving young adults aged 18 to 24.[174]
5 March – a further 522 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 222,160 cases and 4,405 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[175]
6 March
A further 539 cases and 14 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 222,699 cases and 4,419 deaths. 9 previously notified cases were de-notified.[176]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin announced that Ireland had reached the milestone of half a million COVID-19 vaccines administered.[177]
Gardaí arrested 6 people (5 men and 1 woman) as around 450 people attended an anti-lockdown protest in Cork city centre that ended without incident.[178]
7 March
A further 525 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 223,219 cases and 4,422 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[179]
PresidentMichael D. Higgins signed into law the legislation to bring in mandatory hotel quarantine for certain passengers entering the country from high-risk countries.[180]
8 March
A further 437 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 223,651 cases and 4,422 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[181]
Around 100,000 children returned to pre-school under the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme.[183]
The Department of Education and the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that the gradual phased reopening of schools would proceed as planned with all primary pupils and fifth year students returning to school on 15 March.[184]
9 March
A further 311 cases and 30 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 223,957 cases and 4,452 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[185]
A further three cases of the Brazilian variant were detected in the country, bringing the total to 6.[186]
A further 631 cases and 47 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 224,588 cases and 4,499 deaths.[188]
11 March
A further 592 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 225,179 cases and 4,509 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[189]
Ireland officially marked one year since the first death of COVID-19 in the country was confirmed on 11 March 2020, the same day when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.[190]
Under new nursing home visitation guidance approved by NPHET, residents in nursing homes would be permitted two visits per week on general compassionate grounds from 22 March.[191]
12 March
A further 646 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 225,820 cases and 4,518 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[192]
Latest figures showed that as of 11 March, Gardaí had issued over 13,600 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 10,013 fines issued for non-essential travel and 2,040 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[193]
Gardaí confirmed that two people were arrested and more than 80 fines were issued after around 300 people gathered for the funeral of a young Traveller man in Carrick-on-Shannon on 11 March, despite Level 5 restrictions limiting mourners to 10 people.[194]
Nine residents at a nursing home with an outbreak of COVID-19 in Trim, County Meath died after the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered there.[195]
13 March – a further 543 cases and 16 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 226,358 cases and 4,534 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[196]
14 March
A further 384 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 226,741 cases and 4,534 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[197]
Two men in their 20s were charged after three Gardaí were assaulted following a house party in Milford, County Donegal on 13 March.[199]
15 March
A further 575 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 227,316 cases and 4,534 deaths.[200]
Over 350,000 remaining primary school pupils and fifth year students nationwide returned to school for the first time since Christmas.[201]
30,000 fewer people received a COVID-19 vaccine from 15 March due to the temporary suspension of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland.[202]
16 March
A further 349 cases and 18 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 227,663 cases and 4,552 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[203]
The Garda Síochána urged people to stay at home for St Patrick's Day as a significant policing operation was put in place to deal with planned protests in Dublin city with 2,500 Gardaí being deployed across the country.[204]
Latest figures released by the Health Service Executive (HSE) showed that 1,842 tests for COVID-19 were carried out in 108 schools in the past 7 days, with 44 positive cases confirmed in primary, secondary and special schools across the country.[205]
17 March
A further 557 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 228,215 cases and 4,566 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[206]
A further 582 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 228,796 cases and 4,566 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[208]
It was confirmed that 7 Gardaí were injured (including five hospitalised) after being kicked, punched and spat at in separate violent anti-lockdown protests which took place in Dublin on St Patrick's Day.[209]
19 March
A further 507 cases (including 3 probable cases) and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 229,360 cases and 4,576 deaths. 57 previously notified cases were de-notified.[210]
Latest figures showed that as of 18 March, Gardaí had issued over 15,358 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 11,072 fines issued for non-essential travel and over 2,300 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[212]
20 March
A further 525 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 229,831 cases and 4,585 deaths.[213]
The HSE resumed administering the AstraZeneca vaccine at a number of hospitals across the country after a precautionary pause.[214]
Gardaí arrested 11 people and issued a number of fines after around 200 protestors took part in an anti-lockdown protest in the Phoenix Park in Dublin city centre.[215]
21 March
A further 769 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 230,599 cases and 4,587 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[216]
22 March
A further 520 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 231,119 cases and 4,588 deaths.[217]
A further 371 cases and 24 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 231,484 cases and 4,610 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths and 6 cases were de-notified.[220]
The booking portal for mandatory hotel quarantine in Ireland opened for those arriving into the country from Friday 26 March, with a 12-night stay for passengers arriving from high risk countries costing €1,875 each.[221]
Six classes were sent home from a primary school in County Longford after five cases of COVID-19 were confirmed.[222]
A class was sent home following an outbreak of COVID-19 at a primary school in Dublin.[223]
24 March
A further 683 cases and 18 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 232,164 cases and 4,628 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[224]
The Government of Ireland announced that five new walk-in COVID-19 test centres would open in Dublin and Offaly on 25 March in an effort to bring down cases that are high in certain areas.[225]
NPHET postponed a key meeting on deciding whether any Level 5 restrictions could be eased from 5 April so that latest trends in COVID-19 data could be taken into account in its final analysis for the Government.[226]
A man was arrested after €140,000 worth of suspected cannabis herb was seized during a checkpoint operation in County Cork.[227]
25 March
A further 606 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 232,758 cases and 4,631 deaths.[228]
Nearly 1,700 people attended the five new temporary walk-in COVID-19 testing centres for people with no symptoms operated by the National Ambulance Service that opened in Dublin and Offaly.[229]
26 March
A further 584 cases and 20 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 233,327 cases and 4,651 deaths. 15 previously notified cases were de-notified.[230]
Ireland's mandatory hotel quarantine system for all passengers arriving into the country from high-risk countries came into force at 4 am.[231]
Latest figures showed that as of 25 March, Gardaí had issued over 16,834 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 12,336 fines issued for non-essential travel and over 2,700 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[233]
The Department of Education confirmed that the final phase of the gradual reopening of schools would proceed as planned with all remaining secondary school students returning to school after the Easter holidays on 12 April.[234]
27 March
A further 624 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 233,937 cases and 4,653 deaths. 14 previously notified cases were de-notified.[235]
Gardaí began an investigation after three people absconded from a mandatory hotel quarantine facility near Dublin Airport while on a smoking break outside under supervision, with one person located.[237]
A family of five renewed their appeal against their mandatory hotel quarantine after they claimed the facilities were not fit for purpose, following the rejection of their appeal by the Department of Justice.[238]
28 March
A further 604 cases and 13 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 234,541 cases and 4,666 deaths.[239]
A second person who absconded from a mandatory hotel quarantine facility on 27 March was located, while a search for the third male continued.[240]
29 March
A further 539 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 235,078 cases and 4,667 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[241]
Latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office showed that serious crime dropped by over a third in 2020 during the pandemic, while over 1,000 breaches of COVID-19 regulations were classified as crimes by Gardaí including the non-wearing of face coverings and international travel.[242]
30 March
A further 368 cases and 14 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 235,444 cases and 4,681 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[243]
The Government of Ireland announced a phased easing of Level 5 restrictions from Monday 12 April, with people allowed to travel within their county, two households allowed to meet socially outdoors, people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 allowed to meet other fully vaccinated people indoors, and the resumption of all residential construction projects from that date.[244]
From 19 April:
Elite-level senior GAA matches and training could resume
From 26 April:
Outdoor sports facilities (such as pitches, golf courses and tennis courts) could reopen
Outdoor visitor attractions (such as zoos, open pet farms, heritage sites) could reopen
Maximum attendance at funerals would increase from 10 to 25 on compassionate grounds
From 4 May:
Full reopening of construction activity
Phased reopening of non-essential retail and personal services
Religious services, museums and galleries could reopen and resume
The United States and a number of EU countries, including France, Germany and Italy, were recommended for inclusion in Ireland's mandatory hotel quarantine list in advice given to Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly by NPHET.[245]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced an update to the COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy with priority groups being changed to an age-based system after vulnerable people with underlying conditions were vaccinated.[246]
The HSE confirmed that three passengers staying in mandatory hotel quarantine tested positive for COVID-19.[247]
31 March
A further 411 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 235,854 cases and 4,687 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[248]
The Taoiseach told the Dáil that a national portal allowing for everyone to register for a COVID-19 vaccine would be available by the third week in April.[249]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced that seven new walk-in COVID-19 testing centres for asymptomatic people would open from April in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Kildare and Galway in an effort to bring down cases that are high in certain areas.[250]
April 2021[]
April 2021
1 April
A further 761 cases and 18 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 236,600 cases and 4,705 deaths. 15 previously notified cases were de-notified.[251]
Deputy Chief Medical OfficerRonan Glynn and Northern Ireland Chief Medical OfficerMichael McBride issued a joint statement urging the public across Ireland to continue to follow public health advice to ensure everyone can have a safe Easter.[252]
An independent review of the COVID-19 vaccination programme at the Coombe Hospital found that a consultant brought two leftover vaccine doses home to administer them to two family members.[253]
Dublin GAA suspended senior football manager Dessie Farrell for 12 weeks after a number of Dublin footballers were photographed attending a training session on the morning of 31 March in breach of COVID-19 regulations.[254]
Plans by the Department of Health to expand mandatory hotel quarantine to 43 additional countries, including the United States, Germany and France, sparked a major row within Government, after the Attorney General, the European Union and a number of ministers expressed concerns about the plans.[255]
The Department of Health added a further 26 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel and removed one country, which brought the total number of countries added to 59. The countries added were: Albania, Andorra, Aruba, Bahrain, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Ethiopia, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Serbia, Somalia and Wallis and Futuna Islands. Mauritius was removed from the list.[256]
2 April
A further 591 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 237,187 cases and 4,713 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[257]
Two women in their 30s were arrested and charged after refusing to enter mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival in Dublin Airport from Dubai.[258]
A COVID-19 outbreak of 15 cases was confirmed in a special school in Clontarf, Dublin.[259]
3 April
A further 511 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 237,695 cases and 4,715 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[260]
A further 457 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 238,148 cases and 4,718 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[262]
The High Court made orders allowing two women who refused to enter mandatory hotel quarantine after arriving into Dublin Airport following their return from a trip to Dubai for cosmetic procedures to leave Mountjoy Women's Prison and continue to quarantine at a designated hotel.[263]
Gardaí arrested 8 people as part of a policing plan around an anti-lockdown protest planned in Dublin city centre.[264]
5 April – a further 320 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 238,466 cases and 4,718 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[265]
6 April
A further 443 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 238,907 cases and 4,727 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[266]
A number of Gardaí were forced to self-isolate after a guest staying at a quarantine hotel tested positive for COVID-19.[267]
Minister for EducationNorma Foley defended the Government decision to change the vaccine roll-out schedule to an aged-based system stating it was "not a value judgement on any given profession", as teachers' unions continued to call for their members to be prioritised.[268]
Three women who absconded from a mandatory hotel quarantine facility in Dublin were found by Gardaí almost 200 km away near Loughrea, County Galway.[269]
7 April
A further 423 cases and 5 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 239,325 cases and 4,732 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[270]
The three teacher unions voted for an emergency motion backing industrial action, up to and including strike action, if they were not prioritised for vaccination.[271]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly confirmed that a failure to follow vaccination reserve list protocols led to teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) in a number of special needs schools in Dublin and Wicklow to receive COVID-19 vaccinations from the Health Service Executive (HSE) on 6 April.[272]
8 April
A further 400 cases and 7 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 239,723 cases and 4,737 deaths.[273]
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) began an investigation after the first case of a very rare blood clot in the brain of a person after vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine was confirmed in a 40-year-old Dublin woman.[276]
Latest figures from the HSE showed that 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been detected among arrivals into Ireland who were in mandatory hotel quarantine.[277]
9 April
A further 473 cases and 34 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 240,192 cases and 4,769 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 4 cases were de-notified.[278]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced that five new walk-in COVID-19 testing centres for asymptomatic people would open from 10 April in Dublin, Limerick and Waterford in an effort to bring down cases that are high in certain areas.[279]
Following an incorporeal Cabinet meeting, the Department of Health added a further 16 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel and removed three countries, which would come into effect from 4 am on Thursday 15 April. The countries added were: Bangladesh, Belgium, France, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Pakistan, Turkey, the USA, Canada, Armenia, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Curaçao, Maldives and Ukraine. Albania, Israel and Saint Lucia were removed from the list.[280]
A fully vaccinated woman quarantining in a Dublin hotel after her arrival into the country from Israel asked the High Court for an inquiry into what she claimed amounted to unlawful detention.[281]
Latest figures showed that as of 8 April, Gardaí had issued over 19,865 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 13,972 fines issued for non-essential travel and over 3,300 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[282]
10 April – a further 455 cases and 14 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 240,643 cases and 4,783 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[283]
11 April
A further 303 cases (the lowest number of daily cases recorded since mid-December 2020) and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 240,945 cases and 4,785 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[284]
An Irish man and an Israeli woman who challenged their detention in mandatory hotel quarantine and claimed they had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were released pending court hearings.[285]
12 April
A further 394 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 241,330 cases and 4,785 deaths. 9 previously notified cases were de-notified.[286]
The phased easing of Level 5 restrictions began with the 5 km travel limit lifted, the resumption of all residential construction work, two households could meet up outdoors and the full reopening of all schools.[287]
Following a lengthy meeting, the NIAC recommend that only people over 60 years of age should get the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and that a second dose of the vaccine should not be given to anyone who developed unusual blood clots with low platelets after the first dose.[288]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced that arrivals from Israel, Albania and St Lucia were no longer required to complete their quarantine period in a hotel and could quarantine at home instead.[289]
13 April
A further 358 cases and 18 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 241,684 cases and 4,803 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[290]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced that all AstraZeneca clinics were cancelled for the rest of the week, except for those arranged for certain people aged over 60.[291]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced that mandatory hotel quarantine bookings were paused on a precautionary basis, in order to ramp up capacity in the system.[292]
14 April
A further 431 cases and 12 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 242,105 cases and 4,812 deaths. 10 previously notified cases were de-notified.[293]
Ireland was set to receive 545,000 additional doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from April to June as part of a wider EU agreement.[294]
15 April
A further 309 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 242,402 cases and 4,820 deaths. 12 previously notified cases were de-notified.[295]
Over 26,000 people registered for a COVID-19 vaccination after the online portal for 69-year-olds went live.[296]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced that four new walk-in COVID-19 testing centres for asymptomatic people would open from 22 April in Dublin and Tipperary in an effort to bring down cases that are high in certain areas.[297]
16 April
A further 420 cases and 11 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 242,819 cases and 4,831 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[298]
Latest figures showed that as of 15 April, Gardaí had issued over 20,280 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 14,650 fines issued for non-essential travel and over 3,500 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[300]
17 April – a further 420 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 243,238 cases and 4,835 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[301]
18 April – a further 269 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 243,508 cases and 4,836 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[302]
19 April
A further 403 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 243,911 cases and 4,836 deaths.[303]
A further 390 cases and 11 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 244,297 cases and 4,847 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[305]
A nursing home in County Louth suspended all indoor visits after two staff members who had been fully vaccinated tested positive for COVID-19.[306]
21 April – a further 401 cases and 15 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 244,695 cases and 4,856 deaths. 6 previously notified deaths and 3 cases were de-notified.[308]
22 April
A further 617 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 245,310 cases and 4,866 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[309]
An outbreak of at least 70 COVID-19 cases was confirmed at Intel's construction site in Leixlip, County Kildare.[310]
23 April
A further 434 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 245,743 cases and 4,867 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[311]
Latest figures showed that as of 22 April, Gardaí had issued over 20,566 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 14,730 fines issued for non-essential travel and over 3,600 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[312]
The Health Products Regulatory Authority reported a number of serious blood clotting events associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in people who received the vaccine.[313]
A COVID-19 outbreak resulted in all Leaving Certificate students being sent home from a secondary school in Letterkenny, County Donegal.[314]
24 April
A further 461 cases and 5 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 246,204 cases and 4,872 deaths.[315]
According to the Chair of the High-Level Task Force on COVID-19 VaccinationBrian MacCraith, one in four adults (25%) in Ireland had received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.[316]
25 April
A further 429 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 246,633 cases and 4,873 deaths.[317]
Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, TaoiseachMicheál Martin stated that the Government was moving cautiously on the reopening of society and that outdoor activities would be the "theme for the summer".[318]
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that Ireland had reached the milestone of one million first doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered.[319]
26 April
A further 437 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 247,069 cases and 4,874 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[320]
The further easing of Level 5 restrictions came into effect with all sports pitches, golf courses, tennis courts, zoos, pet farms and heritage sites reopening.[321]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced that Ireland was to donate 700 oxygen concentrators to India as part of efforts to assist with the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.[322]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced that two new walk-in COVID-19 testing centres for asymptomatic people would open in Kildare and Offaly in an effort to bring down cases that are high in certain areas.[323]
27 April
A further 426 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 247,489 cases and 4,884 deaths. 6 previously notified cases were de-notified.[324]
New recommendations by NIAC were approved by the Government of Ireland with the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines recommended for people aged 50 and older, pregnant women offered an mRNA vaccine between 14 and 36 weeks gestation, and people aged under 50 years who had a COVID-19 infection receiving just one vaccine dose and be considered fully-vaccinated.[325]
A primary school in County Offaly closed following confirmation of 23 cases of COVID-19.[326]
28 April – a further 371 cases and 13 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 247,857 cases and 4,896 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 3 cases were de-notified.[327]
29 April
A further 474 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 248,326 cases and 4,899 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[328]
The Government of Ireland announced a reopening plan for the country throughout May and June from 10 May, with inter-county travel allowed, the reopening of all hairdressers, libraries, museums and galleries, up to 50 people allowed to attend religious services, the resumption of click-and-collect services and the allowances of three households to meet outdoors (including in private gardens) and a vaccinated household to meet an unvaccinated household indoors from that date.[329]
From 17 May
All retail could reopen
From 2 June
Hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels could reopen but services must be restricted to overnight guests and residents
From 7 June
Outdoor sports matches could recommence with no spectators permitted
Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres could reopen for individual training only
Outdoor services in restaurants and bars could recommence, with groups limited to a maximum of 6 people
The numbers of guests attending wedding celebrations/receptions could increase to 25
Visitors from one other household could be permitted in private homes
30 April
A further 545 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 248,870 cases and 4,903 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[330]
Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly announced that nearly 150 cases of variants of concern had been identified in Ireland, including: 71 cases of the South African variant, 27 cases of the Brazilian variant, 8 cases of the Indian variant, 6 cases of the New York variant and 20 cases of the Nigerian variant.[331]
The Department of Health added a further 5 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel and removed 6 countries, which would come into effect from 4 am on Tuesday 4 May. The countries added were: Costa Rica, Georgia, India, Iran and Mongolia. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, San Marino, Monaco, Wallis and Futuna Islands, and Moldova were removed with immediate effect.[332]
Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan stated that there were concerns around the level of COVID-19 in Donegal and that there were outbreaks occurring in lots of different settings in the county.[333]
Latest figures showed that as of 29 April, Gardaí had issued over 20,974 fines to people breaching COVID-19 regulations, with over 14,749 fines issued for non-essential travel and over 3,900 fines issued for attending or hosting house parties.[334]
May 2021[]
May 2021
1 May
A further 569 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 249,437 cases and 4,906 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[335]
Around 370 protestors took part in an anti-lockdown protest at the National Monument on the Grand Parade in Cork city centre.[336]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced that seven new walk-in COVID-19 testing centres for asymptomatic people would open in Dublin, Cork, Kildare and Mayo in an effort to bring down cases that are high in certain areas.[337]
2 May – a further 402 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 249,838 cases and 4,906 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 1 previously notified case were de-notified.[338]
3 May
A further 453 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 250,290 cases and 4,906 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[339]
In an open letter to those who had been fully vaccinated, Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan praised the sacrifices people had made over the past year and advised those who were vaccinated to make the most of socialising outdoors.[340]
4 May
A further 383 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 250,672 cases and 4,908 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[341]
A special hotline to allow the public to inform the Gardaí about illegal parties or gatherings in County Donegal was set up in response to a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county in recent days.[342]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 50 and 59 on a phased basis, starting with people aged 59.[343]
5 May – a further 418 cases and 7 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 251,087 cases and 4,915 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified.[344]
6 May
A further 393 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 251,474 cases and 4,921 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths and 6 cases were de-notified.[345]
The first doses of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine were administered through homeless services at a temporary vaccination clinic set up in Dublin.[346]
Around 120 revellers defied an emergency court order after attending a post-wedding celebration involving members of the Traveller community in a marquee in County Longford on 5 May.[347]
7 May
A further 434 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 251,904 cases and 4,918 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified.[348]
A further 408 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 252,303 cases and 4,919 deaths. 9 previously notified cases were de-notified.[350]
The Department of Health added a further 2 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel and removed 11 countries, which would come into effect from 4 am on Wednesday 12 May. The countries added were: Nepal and Anguilla. Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Curaçao, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, North Macedonia and Ukraine were removed with immediate effect.[351]
9 May
A further 514 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 252,809 cases and 4,921 deaths. 8 previously notified cases were de-notified.[352]
TaoiseachMicheál Martin received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Cork City Hall and urged people to get vaccinated to protect themselves, while a record 52,278 doses were administered on Friday 7 May.[353]
10 May
A further 381 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 253,189 cases and 4,921 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.[354]
The further easing of Level 5 restrictions came into effect with all hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural attractions reopening, the resumption of non-essential retail on a phased basis, inter-county travel and in-person religious services, and the allowance of three households (or six people) from individual households to meet outdoors.[355]
11 May – a further 379 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 253,567 cases and 4,929 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 1 case were de-notified.[357]
12 May – a further 448 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 254,013 cases and 4,937 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.[358]
13 May – a further 456 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 254,450 cases and 4,937 deaths. 19 previously notified cases were de-notified.[359]
14 May
A further 425 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 254,870 cases and 4,940 deaths. 5 previously notified cases were de-notified.[360]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) shut down all of its IT systems after a major ransomware attack, with Ireland's GP and Close Contact referral system and the COVID-19 vaccine registration portal down, while the COVID-19 vaccination programme had not been affected by the attack.[361]
The Department of Health announced that there would be no daily COVID-19 figures update provided due to the Health Service Executive cyberattack, with backdated figures being published "when possible".[363]
The HSE stated that there was "substantial cancellations across all outpatient services with widespread cancellation of radiology services" following a ransomware attack on its IT systems.[364]
The Department of Health removed 5 countries from the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel with immediate effect. The countries removed were: Bermuda, Iran, Montenegro, Palestine and Serbia.[365]
16 May
A further 802 cases were reported in the past 48 hours, with 447 cases reported on 15 May and 355 cases reported on 16 May.[366]
The Department of Health confirmed that it had been the victim of a separate cyber attack similar to the ransomware attack on the Health Service Executive, prompting the shutting down of much of its IT infrastructure.[367]
17 May
A further 360 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[368]
The further easing of Level 5 restrictions came into effect with the reopening of all non-essential retail for the first time in over four months.[369]
18 May – a further 358 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[371]
19 May
A further 503 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[372]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 45 and 49 on a phased basis, starting with people aged 49.[373]
20 May
A further 469 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[374]
It was reported that the organised cyber crime group that attacked the HSE and the Department of Health IT systems provided a decryption key, while the public was advised to be aware of a number of call and text scams in the wake of the cyber attack.[375]
21 May
A further 524 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[376]
A further 381 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[378]
The Department of Health removed 6 countries from the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel with immediate effect. The countries removed were: Andorra, Georgia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Nigeria and Puerto Rico.[379]
23 May – a further 438 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[380]
24 May – a further 345 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[381]
25 May – a further 365 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[382]
26 May
A further 448 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[383]
Under new COVID-19 safety guidelines issued by Fáilte Ireland, a maximum of six people aged 13 years and over would be allowed per table when restaurants, pubs and cafés open in June, with up to 15 people allowed when accompanying children under the age of 12.[384]
27 May
A further 436 cases and 8 deaths were reported, however data relating to the total number of cases and deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[385]
The Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Paul Reid stated that the cost of the cyber attack on its IT systems could exceed €100 million.[386]
28 May
A further 467 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[387]
The HSE confirmed that data relating to 520 patients, including sensitive information, was published online following the ransomware attack on 14 May.[388]
The Department of Health removed 4 countries from the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel with immediate effect. The countries removed were: Belgium, France, Luxembourg and the United States.[389]
The Government of Ireland announced a further reopening plan for the country throughout June, July and August, with the reopening of all hotels from 2 June, outdoor hospitality, cinemas, swimming pools, gyms from 7 June, and indoor hospitality from 5 July.[390]
From 2 June:
Reopening of accommodation services including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels
From 7 June:
The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events could increase to a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
Reopening of all cinemas, theatres, gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres
Reopening of outdoor amusement parks, theme parks and funfairs
Resumption of outdoor services in restaurants and pubs
Visiting indoors in private homes
Partial reopening of Driver Theory Test Services
Resumption of outdoor sports matches
From 5 July:
Up to three households permitted to meet indoors in private homes in line with Level 2
Resumption of organised indoor events
The numbers permitted at outdoor organised events could further increase to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
Resumption of indoor services in restaurants and pubs
Reopening of bowling alleys, snooker halls, amusement arcades, ice-skating/roller skating rinks and indoor waterparks
From 19 July:
International non-essential travel would be allowed with the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate for travel coming into force in Ireland
29 May
A further 464 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[391]
Four people were arrested for public order offences after large crowds gathered in parts of Dublin city centre, while Chief Medical OfficerTony Holohan stated that he was "absolutely shocked" by the crowds that gathered.[392]
30 May – a further 374 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[393]
31 May
A further 378 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[394]
It was announced that the 2021 edition of the Rose of Tralee would be cancelled for the second year in a row.[395]
June 2021[]
June 2021
1 June
A further 337 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[396]
According to a new study published by the Irish Medical Journal, medics reported what they believed to be the first case of COVID-19 reinfection in Ireland in a 40-year-old female healthcare worker.[397]
A further 407 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[399]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 40 and 44 on a phased basis, starting with people aged 44.[400]
A probationary Garda avoided a jail sentence for breaching COVID-19 restrictions, and instead received a €1,000 fine for the breach along with a charge for being intoxicated in public.[401]
A further 465 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[404]
A further 529 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[409]
A further 416 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[411]
14 people (including 5 juveniles) were arrested for public order offences and a Garda received hospital treatment on the night of 4 June, after violence broke out in Dublin city centre in which glass bottles were thrown at Gardaí, which resulted in a patrol car being damaged. Minister for HealthStephen Donnelly described the incidents as "thuggish behaviour and completely unacceptable".[412]
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Greystones, County Wicklow.[413]
The Department of Health added a further 5 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel, which would come into effect from 4 am on Tuesday 8 June. The countries added were: Afghanistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Trinidad and Tobago.[414]
6 June
A further 313 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[415]
19 people (including 2 juveniles) were arrested for public order offences and two Gardaí received hospital treatment on the night of 5 June, after violence broke out in Dublin's south city centre for a second consecutive night in which a person was assaulted, a bin was set on fire and glass bottles were thrown, which resulted in a patrol car being damaged.[416]
7 June
A further 377 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[417]
The gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions continued with the reopening of all bars, restaurants and cafés for outdoor service, gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, cinemas and theatres, the partial resumption of driver theory test services, and the allowance of an unvaccinated household to visit another unvaccinated household indoors.[418]
14 people (including 3 juveniles) were arrested for public order offences on the night of 6 June, after violence broke out in Dublin's south city centre for a third consecutive night, while Gardaí arrested 8 people in Cork.[419]
8 June – a further 271 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[420]
9 June – a further 259 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[421]
10 June
A further 398 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[422]
11 June – a further 319 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[424]
12 June – a further 431 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[425]
13 June
A further 315 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[426]
The Department of Health added one additional country to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel, which would come into effect from 4 am on Wednesday 16 June. The country added was: Uganda.[427]
14 June – a further 242 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[428]
15 June
A further 283 cases were reported, however data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths and total number of cases were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[429]
The Government of Ireland agreed to increase the self-isolation period for travellers arriving in Ireland from Britain from 5 to 10 days for those who are not fully vaccinated amid Delta variant concerns.[430]
16 June – a further 329 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 267,576. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[431]
17 June
A further 373 cases and 26 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 267,949 cases and 4,979 deaths.[432]
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry confirmed that there had been 180 cases of the Delta variant detected in Ireland.[433]
18 June
A further 313 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 268,251. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[434]
The Department of Health added one country and removed one country to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel, which would come into effect from 4 am on Tuesday 22 June. The country added was: Mongolia. Canada was removed from the list.[435]
19 June
A further 393 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 268,644. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[436]
A primary school in County Offaly confirmed a suspected case of the Delta variant with the children told to self isolate at home.[437]
After discussing the evolving profile of COVID-19 across the island, the Chief Medical Officers of Ireland and Northern IrelandTony Holohan and Michael McBride issued a joint statement reminding people who intended to travel across the border to be alert to the epidemiological situation in the relevant local areas and to ensure that they avoid activities which could place them or their families at risk of COVID-19 infection.[438]
20 June
A further 288 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 269,037. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[439]
The COVID-19 vaccine registration portal opened to people aged between 35 and 39 on a phased basis, starting with people aged 39.[440]
21 June
A further 284 cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases to 269,321. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[441]
Minister for JusticeHeather Humphreys spoke to Garda CommissionerDrew Harris about the legal issues around outdoor drinking and pledged to take legislative action to facilitate outdoor hospitality if it was required, after Gardaí warned that alcohol licences were not valid for areas outside pubs and restaurants.[443]
22 June
A further 294 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 269,495. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[444]
The HSE's Director of Public Health for the Midlands Una Fallon announced that a COVID-19 outbreak in Athlone had been identified as "probably" the Delta variant after a cluster of 14 primary cases associated with socialising by the River Shannon were confirmed on Friday 11 June.[445]
A further 348 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 269,793 cases and 4,989 deaths.[447]
It was confirmed that at least three quarters of the HSE's IT servers had been decrypted and 70% of computer devices were back in use, following the cyber attack in May.[448]
24 June
A further 304 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 270,097. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[449]
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry confirmed that there had been 210 cases of the Delta variant detected in Ireland.[450]
25 June
A further 380 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 270,477. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[451]
The Department of Health added 9 countries to the Government's COVID-19 "high-risk" list for international travel, which would come into effect from 4 am on Tuesday 29 June. The countries added were: Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Haiti, Indonesia, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Russia and Tunisia.[452]
26 June – a further 443 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 270,920. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[453]
27 June – a further 340 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 271,260. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[454]
28 June – a further 305 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 271,589. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[455]
29 June
A further 351 cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 271,931. Data relating to the number of COVID-19 deaths were not available due to the HSE cyberattack.[456]
Due to the rapidly increasing incidence of the Delta variant, the Government of Ireland announced that the planned reopening of indoor dining and drinking in restaurants and pubs on 5 July would be delayed until at least 19 July when a system to verify vaccination or immunity would be implemented, while 50 guests would be permitted to attend wedding celebrations as an exception from July.[457]
30 June
A further 452 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 272,336 cases and 4,998 deaths.[458]
European Commissioner for JusticeDidier Reynders stated that Ireland was the only European Union member state that would not be ready to comply with the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate for travel when it would come into effect from 1 July 2021 due to the cyber attack on the Health Service Executive.[459]
