LAST UPDATE | 8 May 2020

THE DEPARTMENT OF Health has this evening confirmed there are a further 27 deaths and 156 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. 

It brings the total number of cases to 22,541, while the overall death toll from the virus in Ireland is 1,429.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to cancel the Leaving Cert exams which were previously due to begin on 29 July. 

Instead, students will now be offered the option of accepting grades calculated by their teachers or sitting the Leaving Certificate at a later date when it is safe to do so. 

Officials had been scrambling for weeks to accommodate holding the State exams and the Cabinet today reached this decision. 

Here are today’s Covid-19 main points:

Ireland

• The Minister for Education Joe McHugh announced that this year’s Leaving Cert exams have been effectively cancelled. Students will be offered the option of accepting ‘calculated grades’ or sitting the Leaving Certificate at a later date.
• Health officials confirmed this evening that a further 27 people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland.
• The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to issue advice to people to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where they encounter challenges while social distancing.
• Ireland’s unemployment rate would be 28.2% if people on pandemic payment were included, the CSO has said. 
• A Co Louth nursing home has said that 23 residents have died with Covid-19 since 1 April. 
• Cafe owners grappling with rent and reduced footfall have expressed frustration and ‘genuine panic’ at the situation they face. 
• Nobody should visit Ireland’s offshore islands until 10 August, apart from the permanent residents and those undertaking essential services, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has reminded people. 

World

• After conflicting reports in UK newspapers about the length of lockdown, a member of the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies says it could jeopardise social distancing. 
• Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a three-stage plan to reopen the country. 
• Hong Kong has also begun to ease major social distancing measures with bars, gyms, beauty parlours and cinemas reopening their doors.