LAST UPDATE | 29 Apr 2020

A FURTHER 31 people in Ireland have died as a result of Covid-19, health officials confirmed this evening.

It brings the total number of deaths in Ireland, including probable deaths, to 1,190.

Additionally, 376 new cases of Covid-19 were announced, bringing the total number of confirmed cases here past the 20,000 mark to 20,253.

The use of masks in public is being considered as part of efforts to tackle coronavirus, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told reporters today but said they would not be compulsory.

“I think we will be in a position to offer revised advice to the Irish public later in the week. Because the science is so uncertain on it, it is not something that we would make compulsory but something we would make advisory.”

His comments came as the Scottish government issued guidance for people to shield their faces in places such as shops and on public transport. The powersharing executive in Northern Ireland is due to consider a similar proposal.

Internationally, US Vice President Mike Pence has been criticised after he chose not to wear a face mask during a tour of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, an apparent violation of the world-renowned medical centre’s policy requiring them.

Here are today’s main Covid-19 points:

• The use of face masks in public is being considered as part of efforts to tackle coronavirus in Ireland, the chief medical officer has said.
• Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the number of patients in ICU with Covid-19 are not low enough to ease restrictions on 5 May. He intends to make public the plan on how Ireland will reopen in the coming days. 
• Business Minister Heather Humphres has said companies should start planning for how they can reopen while adhering to social distancing rules. 
• Health officials are expecting an increase in the number of people being tested for the coronavirus over the next week after a slight change in the case definition.
• The government has announced that plans to hold a school-based version of the Junior Cert in the autumn have been cancelled, after some schools refused to hold these types of tests.
• Authorities are concerned about speeding drivers and pedestrian deaths since Covid-19 restrictions were put in place. 
• The government has now paid out over €650 million to companies across the country under the temporary wage subsidy scheme. 
• Healthcare workers unable to find childcare will be able to remain at home to mind their children while being paid, unions have been told today.
• The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is to write to the Garda Commissioner over an incident involving one of its members at a Covid-19 checkpoint.
• The coronavirus outbreak has led to some vulnerable patients awaiting transfer to a nursing home, including older people and those with disabilities, left in hospitals for longer than necessary. 
• Gardaí have said that a file will be sent to the DPP in relation to alleged breaches of Covid-19 regulations by supporters of a legal challenge at the Four Courts in Dublin today and at a hearing last week.
• Dublin LGBTQ Pride has cancelled its annual parade for 2020 after initially postponing it until September. Organisers are now planning a virtual parade and concert in June. 

Here are today’s international Covid-19 points:

• The full impact of Covid-19 on the UK is set to be revealed as the government prepares to unveil the combined number of daily deaths in hospitals, care homes and the community linked to the virus.
• The number of coronavirus cases in the United States has passed one million, accounting for nearly a third of the total cases worldwide.
• US Vice President Mike Pence chose not to wear a face mask during a tour of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, an apparent violation of the world-renowned medical centre’s policy requiring them.
• France is to begin a gradual but “risky” return to normality on 11 May, with shops, markets and some schools reopening after an eight-week coronavirus lockdown credited with saving more than 60,000 lives.
• Airbus is being hit by “the gravest crisis the aerospace industry has ever known”, chief executive Guillaume Faury has warned. He made the comment as the European plane-maker revealed it lost €481 million in the first three months of the year.
• From today in Germany, masks will be needed to enter shops, which began to open last week after the government declared its outbreak under control. Nose and mouth coverings are already compulsory on buses, trains and trams.
• Belgians have been urged to keep eating chips during lockdown to keep the country’s potato industry thriving. 

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