Coronavirus: 59 more deaths and 229 new cases in Republic
There have been 59 more coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic.
Today's figures from the Department of Health show the total number of deaths here has reached 1,159.
The 59 deaths confirmed today include 45 which were lab confirmed.
A further 229 new cases have been confirmed today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 19,877.
Ministers express differing views on how COVID-19 restrictions should be eased
File photo of Government Buildings. Picture by: Eleanor Keegan/RollingNews.ieCabinet ministers have been told there is no indication that coronavirus disease levels are low enough to start easing restrictions.
It comes as there was a split among ministers in what should be done next, with a decision likely to be made on Friday.
At Tuesday's cabinet meeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Health Minister Simon Harris set out the current state of play.
They said the medical evidence is not there at the moment to allow the easing of restrictions next week.
Aer Lingus owner: Recovery of passenger numbers 'will take several years'
The owner of Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus says it will take "several years" to get passenger numbers back to 2019 levels.
The International Airlines Group (IAG) has said this will require "group-wide restructuring measures."
The group saw passenger capacity fall in April and May by 94%, compared to last year.
IAG has also announced plans to consult with British Airways over redundancy plans, which could affect up to 12,000 jobs.
McDonald slams "just baffling" lack of all-island approach to COVID-19
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking outside Government Buildings, 16-03-2020. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNewsThe Sinn Féin leader has said it is “just baffling” that we don’t have an all-island approach to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mary Lou McDonald has written to the Taoiseach setting out a range of concerns that she believes must be addressed before the lockdown can be relaxed.
In the letter, she welcomes plans for officials to talk with Ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive today – noting that the “last few weeks have shown how critical it is to deal with this crisis on an all-island basis.”
Gardaí have used 'spit hoods' 15 times this month amid coronavirus crisis
Anti-spit guards - or 'spit hoods' - have been used by gardaí 15 times this month.
Figures released by gardaí today show there have been 31 incidents of spitting and/or coughing against gardaí since April 6th.
The fabric and mesh 'spit hoods' are designed to be placed over a suspect's head to prevent them from spitting at others.
