There have been four additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 545 new confirmed cases in Ireland.
There has now been a total of 4,903 deaths and 48,870 cases here.
These figures include the denotification of one confirmed case.
Of the cases notified today:
- 294 are men / 244 are women
- 77% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 29 years old
There are 264 cases in Dublin, 58 in Kildare, 50 in Cork, 29 in Donegal and 28 in Galway.
The remaining 116 cases are spread across 21 other counties.
As of 8.00am today, 139 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised - of which 44 are in ICU.
There have been eight additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
As of April 28th, 1,487,043 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered: 1,067,378 first doses and 419,665 second doses.
'Regional variations'
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said: "The easing of restrictions is a welcome and deserved turning point in our collective efforts to get through this pandemic.
"It is a step closer towards the shared national goal of suppressing COVID-19 and protecting the vulnerable.
"However, incidence around the country varies. Some areas are in a more precarious position than others.
"For example, while the national incidence rate is 125 per 100,000, Donegal currently stands at 295 per 100,000.
"This is extremely concerning for public health doctors locally.
"We are calling on community leaders in areas such as Donegal, where the virus is still circulating at dangerous levels, to encourage the people there to stick with the public health measures, especially if they are vulnerable or have yet to be vaccinated."
He added: "January was a difficult time for us as a country, but particularly tough for those in Donegal.
"It is important that we look forward now and work together to reduce incidence nationally, but also in our own locality.
"Your individual actions for the good of your neighbours and community do matter, and they will make all the difference."
Today’s cases, 5-day moving average of new cases, 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population and new cases in last 14 days (as of midnight 29th April 2021) (incidence rate based on Census 2016 county population)The seven-day incidence rate is at 65.8, while the five-day moving average has jumped to 450.
'If a place is too crowded, leave'
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: “We have achieved a huge amount as a country, but this virus still poses a threat and it is important to stay vigilant and not to drop your guard over the coming weeks.
"This is especially true for those who have yet to be vaccinated or are particularly vulnerable.
"The important thing to do as society re-opens is to continue to risk assess your choices and your environment.
"Just because something is an option, doesn't always mean it's safe: crowded places and enclosed spaces still carry a risk.
"If you don't feel comfortable, or feel a place is too crowded, leave. Encourage your friends and loved ones to continue to follow the basic measures to protect themselves and their families."
And Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, added: "Business owners, employees and customers have received welcome and much-awaited positive news regarding the restarting of our economy.
"However, it is extremely important that everyone take this time in anticipation of re-opening to review their safety practices and protocols. This is for the benefit of us all, but critically for those who they employ.
"Remember that you have a duty of care to those that work for you, and your patrons and clients.
"Re-opening comes with it the responsibility to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your establishment.
"We are all looking forward to seeing one another again for a browse, a coffee, or a meal - but we must do so safely, and in new ways, to ensure this virus is kept at bay for the coming months as vaccination levels continue to increase."
ESRI finings
While research from the ESRI has revealed that while the large majority of the population continue to follow the public health guidelines, there has been a "clear fall-off" in the levels of compliance reported in recent weeks.
However, the average number of people that each individual met from another household, the number of social visits to homes, and the likelihood that people had close contacts - all of which had been increasing during February and March - did not increase further over Easter.
Data also shows that people's intention to take the vaccine remains very high.
Over 80% say they will take the vaccine when offered it, with most of the remainder saying they are still unsure.
