There are 529 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland
86 patients are in hospital with the virus.
28 Covid patients are in intensive care - which is the lowest figure since before Christmas.
An extra boost comes in the news that the green light has been given to reduce the time between doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from 12 to 8 weeks.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says there will be a gradual reduction in the interval between the first and second doses in the coming weeks.
Minister Donnelly says the move will benefit more than 400,000 people who are waiting for their second jab.
Further planning of the vaccination programme will take place over the weekend.
