FOR the first time since the coronavirus pandemic hit Ireland there have been no new deaths from Covid-19 in the Republic is what Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described as a "significant milestone".
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan told the daily briefing yesterday a further 59 more cases of coronavirus were confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 24,698.
However, health authorities in Northern Ireland revealed that eight more people died, raising the number of reported coronavirus deaths on the island to 2,120
Mr Varadkar said it was a significant day in the Republic's efforts to stem the deadly virus.
"Significant milestone today," he wrote on Twitter.
"First day with no reported #Covd19 deaths since March 21st. This is a day of hope. We will prevail."
Thirteen per cent of people who tested postitive for Covid-19 in the Republic (3,225) cases have been hospitalised, with 1.6 per cent (394) admitted to Intensive Care Units.
In the north, the Department of Health reported a further 39 cases of confirmed Covid-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 4,609.
It said 1,084 people were tested for the virus over the previous 24 hours.
Continuing lockdown restrictions have led Stormont Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon to extend expiring driving licences for seven months.
It follows a new EU regulation which is due to become law in days and applies to driving licences with an expiry date between February 1 and August 31 2020.
The move will remove the requirement for some drivers to have a medical assessment and will be automatically applied, with no new licences being issued.
"I understand that for many people at this time in particular, having a valid licence allowing them to drive for essential journeys or to ensure they can continue to work, is vital," Ms Mallon said.
"This new EU Regulation provides a practical solution to a very real problem and ensures that those in this situation can remain on the road without having to worry about getting a renewal application processed, which for some requires a medical assessment.
"It will also help any customers who could not access or were finding it difficult to renew their licence online."
Drivers must still notify Driver and Vehicle Agency "if they have a new or worsening medical condition or disability that may affect their ability to drive".
Taxi drivers who do not have a medical condition will have their five-year license renewed - with a medical report to be submitted "at some future date".
Those with a medical condition will be "prioritised for medical appointments and licence renewal".
Dangerous goods vehicles will be allowed on roads under "strict conditions" from June 1, when IVA vehicles will see tests resume.
