A further 425 COVID cases have been announced this afternoon, alongside four new deaths.

Two of the deaths happened in May, with one in January and one in February.

It takes the death toll to 4,941 and the national case total to 254,870.

This morning there were 111 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals – an 11% decrease on this day last week.

There were 39 in intensive care, five fewer than last week.

It comes after the hospital figure last night dropped below 100 for the first time since last September.

The Five-Day moving average now stands at 417.

The Five-Day Moving Average In Ireland. Image: Newstalk

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan urged secondary school students to follow public health advice as they celebrate the end of the school year.

“Many of us have fond memories of our time in school, particularly the traditional celebrations that mark the formal end of in-school learning like graduation ceremonies for sixth-year students,” he said.

“I am aware that this is an important time in the lives of young adults as they take a break from studying for an evening to celebrate with friends.

“Unfortunately, this year, it is not possible for events of this nature to take place. It is very important that all students preparing to sit state exams in June take the necessary precautions now to ensure you do not contract COVID-19, particularly in the last remaining days before the commencement of the Leaving Cert.

“Do not attend graduation ceremonies or events. Take this time to restrict your social contacts and continue to follow the public health advice."

31/03/2021 Covid-19 Pandemic (Coronavirus), Ireland. Day 371 since start of lockdown. Day 91 of return to Level 5 restrictions.Pictured is Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group at the media briefing this afternoon at the Department of Health. Photograph: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The Chair of the NPHET Modelling Group Professor Philip Nolan said the pandemic is 'shrinking' with the R number currently below 1.

“The profile of COVID-19 in Ireland is generally stable with grounds for optimism. Disease incidence is stable and we are seeing improvements in some indicators,” he said.

“Hospital and ICU admissions are decreasing slowly, the Seven-Day moving average is reduced, the Five-Day moving average is stable, the national positivity rate has reduced to 2.4% and incidence among all age groups is reducing.

“The data also reveals the positive effects of vaccination, not only is incidence in the over 65 age groups below the national average and rapidly declining, but we are seeing a very large discrepancy in the probability of being hospitalised or dying.

“It is clear that vaccination not only decreases infection but also decreases the severity of any disease that breaks through.”

The COVID-19 vaccine administration rate in Ireland. Image: NPHET

As of Tuesday, 1,922,913 vaccine doses had been administered in Ireland – a figure the HSE said rose to over two million yesterday.

Some 1,408,105 people had received their first dose – around 37% of the adult population.