Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland


The following is a timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland.

Timeline

Background: December–January 2020

The NPHET, a group within the Department of Health, began monitoring the spread of the virus before it was confirmed to have reached Ireland. According to The Irish Times, the NPHET for COVID-19 was created on 27 January 2020. NPHET continued to meet after the virus had arrived in Ireland to co-ordinate the national response to the pandemic. The Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group—a subgroup of NPHET chaired by Dr Cillian de Gascun, the UCD-based Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory – met for the first time on 5 February in Dublin.

Containment Phase: February–12 March 2020

On 29 February, the first confirmed case in the Republic of Ireland was announced involving a male student from the east of the country, who had arrived there from Northern Italy. Authorities shut a secondary school linked to the case as a precautionary measure. The State did not name the school involved, but—shortly afterwards—the Irish Examiner's Political Editor, Daniel McConnell, tweeted a copy of the letter it had sent to parents informing them it would close.
On 3 March, a second case was confirmed of a female in the east of the country who had been to Northern Italy. She had no contact with the first case. On 4 March, four more cases were confirmed, two females and two males in the west of the country who travelled from northern Italy, bringing the total to six. On 5 March, seven more cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 13. Four of the cases were related to travel from Northern Italy—four males from the east of the country—one of these four cases was connected to Trinity College Dublin. Two of the seven cases were associated with close contact with a confirmed case—two females in the west of the country. One of the seven cases was a male in the south of the country who had no history of travel abroad.
On 6 March, it was reported that more than 60 staff at Cork University Hospital would have to self-isolate following a case of community transmission of COVID-19 at the hospital. The same day brought confirmation of five more cases, bringing the total in the country at that time to 18.
On 7 March, one more case was confirmed bringing the total to 19. On 8 March, two more cases were confirmed bringing the total to 21. On 9 March, three more cases were confirmed bringing the total to 24. On 10 March, ten more cases were confirmed bringing the total to 34.
On 11 March, an elderly patient in Naas General Hospital in County Kildare became Ireland's first fatality from the virus; nine new cases were announced. This brought confirmed cases to 43. Cork University Hospital discharged a patient who had been admitted for coronavirus disease after they made a full recovery.

Delay Phase: 12–27 March 2020

On 12 March, 27 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total cases in the country to 70. In response to the increase of cases, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of all schools, colleges and childcare facilities until 29 March. The announcement, which came one day after the World Health Organization formally declared that the outbreak was pandemic, also marked Ireland's movement from the Containment Phase in its strategy to combat the spread of the virus towards the Delay Phase.
On 13 March, 20 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total cases in the country to 90. On 14 March, 39 new cases were confirmed and another death announced of a man in the East of the country with underlying medical conditions. This brought the total cases to 129, with 2 deaths in total.
On 15 March, 40 new cases were confirmed. The total number of cases stood at 169 with 2 deaths. University Hospital Limerick discharged four patients. The Government ordered bars and public houses to close and advised against house parties.
On 16 March, 54 new cases were confirmed. The total number of cases stood at 223 with 2 deaths. On 17 March, 69 new cases were confirmed, bringing total cases in the country to 292 with 2 deaths
On 18 March, 74 new cases were confirmed, bringing total cases in the country to 366 with 2 deaths.
More detailed information about hospital statistics, age range affected, how COVID-19 was spreading, healthcare workers and cases by county was published by the National Public Health Emergency Team starting on this day. It showed that the virus was present in 23 of the 26 counties, with Laois, Leitrim and Monaghan the only three yet to record a case.
On 19 March, 191 new cases were confirmed, bringing total to 557. 1 new death was recorded, bringing the total to 3 deaths. The woman died in an isolation ward in St Vincent's Hospital. Her daughter later spoke to the media and urged the public to protect themselves from the virus.
On 20 March, 126 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 683. It was also confirmed that the virus had since infected Laois and Leitrim, leaving Monaghan as the last of the 26 counties. On 21 March, 102 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 785.
On 22 March, 121 new cases were announced, bringing the total to 906. A fourth death was also announced, bringing the total number of deaths to 4. The man, who died at the Mater Hospital, was musical director of a choir in Dublin and former Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
On 23 March, a further 219 cases and 2 more deaths were announced, bringing the totals to 1,125 cases and 6 deaths. Of those then diagnosed, 208 were health care workers. On 24 March, a further 204 cases and one more death were announced, bringing the total number of cases to 1,329 and 7 deaths. On 25 March, 235 cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,564. Two deaths also occurred, bringing the total number of deaths to 9. On 26 March, 255 cases and 10 deaths were confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,819, and the total number of deaths to 19, more than double the previous day's total. According to Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, most of the deaths occurred in "institutional settings", i.e. hospitals and nursing homes. At this point, deaths began to accelerate rapidly.

Stay at Home phase: 27 March–5 May 2020

On 27 March, 302 new cases as well as 3 new deaths brought the total number of confirmed cases and deaths to 2,121 and 22, respectively. Among the deaths was the country's first healthcare fatality, who was based in the east. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a series of measures which he summed up as: "Stay at Home". Merrion Street described it as "a more intensive phase in our response to COVID-19". The measures, which coincided with an escalating death toll, were also a response to increased reliance on intensive care units to treat critically ill patients, and an attempt to lower this number before capacity was reached.
On 28 March, 294 new cases, as well as 14 new deaths, brought the total number of confirmed cases and deaths to 2,415 and 36, respectively. On 29 March, 200 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases and deaths to 2,615 and 46, respectively. On 30 March, 295 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases and deaths to 2,910 and 54, respectively. On 31 March, 325 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases and deaths to 3,235 and 71, respectively.
On 1 April, an additional 212 cases and 14 deaths were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,447, and the total number of deaths to 85. It was also announced that Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, who displayed signs of illness during the previous evening's news conference, had entered hospital for non-COVID reasons; Ronan Glynn took charge.
On 2 April, a further 402 cases and 13 deaths were announced, bringing the totals to 3,849 cases and 98 deaths. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said of the intensive care unit figures: “Of 148 cases admitted to ICU, 25 of those cases have been discharged, sadly there have been 14 deaths from ICU and 109 remain in ICU. The median age of ICU admission is 62.”
On 3 April, a further 424 cases and 22 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 4,273 cases and 120 deaths. One patient was discharged from Sligo University Hospital after being admitted to hospital for 10 days.
On 4 April, a further 331 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 4,604 cases and 137 deaths. On 5 April, a further 390 cases and 21 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 4,994 cases and 158 deaths. The number of confirmed and suspected cases in hospitals, as of 4 April, was published. On 6 April, a further 370 cases and 16 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 5,364 cases and 174 deaths. On 7 April, a further 345 cases and 36 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 5,709 cases and 210 deaths. On 8 April, a further 365 cases and 25 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 6,074 cases and 235 deaths. On 9 April, a further 500 cases and 28 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 6,574 cases and 263 deaths.
On 10 April, a further 480 cases and 25 deaths were initially reported by the Department of Health, bringing the totals to 7,054 cases and 288 deaths. It was reported that there was a discrepancy between the number of cases confirmed by Ireland's Department of Health and the ECDC, due to swab tests sent to Germany for analysis to clear the backlog and testing in Ireland. 14,000 samples returned from German labs, of which 1,035 tested positive, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 8,089. 62 patients admitted to ICU were discharged as of that date. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that measures introduced on 27 March would be extended until at least 5 May.
On 11 April, a further 553 cases, together with an additional 286 cases from previous samples sent to Germany, and 33 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 8,928 cases and 320 deaths. Minister for Health Simon Harris said between 25,000 and 30,000 tests had been sent to Germany and "well over" half of the results had been returned, with the remainder due back by next week. On 12 April, a further 430 cases, together with an additional 297 cases from previous samples sent to Germany, and 14 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 9,655 cases and 334 deaths. The National Public Health Emergency Team said there would be a "real danger" of a second wave of virus cases, if the changing of restrictions was not done correctly. On 13 April, a further 527 cases, together with an additional 465 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 31 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 10,647 cases and 365 deaths. Around 80% of cases are mild to moderate illness, close to 14% have severe disease and around 6% are critical. The Minister for Health claimed Ireland's approach to tackling COVID-19 was the "right strategy" that was "going to save lives". On 14 April, a further 548 cases, together with an additional 284 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 41 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 11,479 cases and 406 deaths.
On 15 April, a further 657 cases, together with an additional 411 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 38 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 12,547 cases and 444 deaths. Among the deaths announced, a 23-year-old said to be the youngest person to have died in the country at the time. Also on this date, a spokesperson for the Ireland East Hospital Group confirmed the deaths of two healthcare workers, a man and a woman, at the same hospital in Kilkenny, the man having died at home the previous day and the woman having died in the hospital that day.
On 16 April, a further 629 cases, together with an additional 95 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 43 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 13,271 cases and 486 deaths. One death, previously reported, was de-notified. The National Public Health Emergency Team reported that lockdown and other measures had driven the growth rate of the pandemic "as low as it needs to be" and was "close to zero".
On 17 April, a further 597 cases, together with an additional 112 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 44 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 13,980 cases and 530 deaths. On 18 April, a further 630 cases, together with an additional 148 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 41 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 14,758 cases and 571 deaths. Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, reported that the curve had flattened and that no peak would be coming. He said the lockdown should continue until 5 May and that the government should focus on contact tracing.
On 19 April, a further 445 cases, together with an additional 48 cases from the backlog of tests at the laboratory in Germany, and 39 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 15,251 cases and 610 deaths. On 20 April, a further 401 cases and 77 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 15,652 cases and 687 deaths. On 21 April, a further 388 cases and 44 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 16,040 cases and 730 deaths. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announced that 8,377 people had recovered in the community and that 856 people were discharged from hospital as of that date. It was also announced that one previously reported death was no longer classified as related to COVID-19.
On 22 April, a further 631 cases and 49 deaths were reported, and 10 deaths previously reported were reclassified as unrelated to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 16,671 cases and 769 deaths. On 23 April, a further 936 cases and 28 deaths were reported, and 3 deaths previously reported were reclassified as unrelated to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 17,607 cases and 794 deaths. Chief Medical Officer Holohan said that above 45% of deaths in the country until this time had been among residents of nursing homes.
On 24 April, a further 577 cases and 37 deaths, and 185 probable deaths were reported, and 2 deaths previously reported were reclassified as unrelated to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 18,184 cases and 1,014 deaths. The HPSC defines a probable death as "a death where a lab test has not been done but where a doctor believes a death is associated with current COVID-19." The total number of deaths includes probable deaths in accordance with advice from the ECDC.
On 25 April, a further 377 cases and 52 deaths were reported, and 3 deaths previously reported were reclassified as unrelated to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 18,561 cases and 1,063 deaths. On 26 April, a further 701 cases and 26 deaths were reported, and 2 deaths previously reported were reclassified as unrelated to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 19,262 cases and 1,087 deaths. On 27 April, a further 386 cases and 18 deaths were reported, and 3 deaths previously reported were reclassified as unrelated to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 19,648 cases and 1,102 deaths. On 28 April, a further 299 cases were initially reported but the number was corrected to 229 by Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, and 59 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 19,877 cases and 1,159 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified.
On 29 April, a further 376 cases and 31 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 20,253 cases and 1,190 deaths. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said "We estimate that as of Saturday 25th April 12,222 COVID-19 cases in the community have recovered. 1,164 cases have been discharged from hospital which gives us a total recovery rate of 70%." On 30 April, a further 359 cases and 43 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 20,612 cases and 1,232 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified.
On 1 May, a further 221 cases and 34 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 20,833 cases and 1,265 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the extension of the current restrictions to 18 May at the earliest. A roadmap to easing restrictions in Ireland that includes five stages was adopted by the government on 1 May 2020 and subsequently published online.
On 2 May, a further 343 cases and 25 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 21,176 cases and 1,286 deaths. 4 previously notified deaths were de-notified. On 3 May, a further 330 cases and 19 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 21,506 cases and 1,303 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified. On 4 May, a further 266 cases and 16 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 21,772 cases and 1,319 deaths.

Easing of restrictions phase: 5 May–present

Initial easing: 5–18 May

On 5 May, a further 211 cases and 23 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 21,983 cases and 1,339 deaths. 3 previously notified deaths were de-notified. On 6 May, a further 265 cases and 37 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 22,248 cases and 1,375 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announced that 17,110 had recovered in the community and that 1,399 people had been discharged from hospital as of that date. On 7 May, a further 137 cases and 29 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 22,385 cases and 1,403 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. On 8 May, a further 156 cases and 27 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 22,541 cases and 1,429 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified.
On 9 May, a further 219 cases and 18 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 22,760 cases and 1,446 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. On 10 May, a further 236 cases and 12 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 22,996 cases and 1,458 deaths. On 11 May, a further 139 cases and 15 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 23,135 cases and 1,467 deaths. 6 previously notified deaths were de-notified. On 12 May, a further 107 cases and 24 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 23,242 cases and 1,488 deaths. 3 previously notified deaths were de-notified.
On 13 May, a further 159 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 23,401 cases and 1,497 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that 17,877 people had recovered in the community and 1,593 people had recovered in hospital as of 10 May.
On 14 May, a further 426 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 23,827 cases and 1,506 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified.
On 15 May, a further 129 cases and 16 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 23,956 cases and 1,518 deaths. 4 previously notified deaths were de-notified. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announced seven children in Ireland had been identified with links to paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a new illness temporarily associated with COVID-19. The Government of Ireland confirmed that phase one of easing the COVID-19 restrictions would begin on Monday 18 May. Among the heritage sites reopening under phase one were Cong Abbey, Farmleigh, Kilkenny Castle, Knocknarea, the National Botanic Gardens and Trim Castle.
On 16 May, a further 92 cases and 15 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,048 cases and 1,533 deaths. On 17 May, a further 64 cases and 10 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,112 cases and 1,543 deaths.

Easing of Restrictions Roadmap Phases: 18 May–present

Phase One: 18 May–8 June

On 18 May, a further 88 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,200 cases and 1,547 deaths. On 19 May, a further 51 cases and 16 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,251 cases and 1,561 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified.
On 20 May, a further 64 cases and 11 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,315 cases and 1,571 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that 21,060 people have recovered from COVID-19 as of 20 May. Tony Holohan was absent "at short notice".
On 21 May, a further 76 cases and 12 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,391 cases and 1,583 deaths. On 22 May, a further 115 cases and 11 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,506 cases and 1,592 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified. On 23 May, a further 76 cases and 13 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,582 cases and 1,604 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. On 24 May, a further 57 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,639 cases and 1,608 deaths. On 24 May, Transport Infrastructure Ireland data and AA analysis recorded a traffic increase of 30% over the previous week on the M50 motorway.
On 25 May, a further 59 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,698 cases and 1,606 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified.
On 26 May, a further 37 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,735 cases and 1,615 deaths.
On 27 May, a further 73 cases and 17 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,803 cases and 1,631 deaths. 1 previously notified death was de-notified. Minister for Health Simon Harris announced that 22,089 people had recovered as of 27 May.
On 28 May, a further 46 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,841 cases and 1,639 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 8 cases were de-notified. On 29 May, a further 39 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,876 cases and 1,645 deaths. 4 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 30 May, a further 59 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,929 cases and 1,651 deaths. 3 previously notified deaths and 6 cases were de-notified. On 31 May, a further 66 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 24,990 cases and 1,652 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 5 cases were de-notified.
On 1 June, a further 77 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,062 cases and 1,650 deaths. 3 previously notified deaths and 2 cases were de-notified.
On 2 June, a further 10 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,066 cases and 1,658 deaths. 6 previously notified cases were de-notified. Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "Over the past week there have been approximately 500 new cases of COVID-19 notified, 54% of which are aged between 24-55 years old.
On 3 June, a further 47 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,111 cases and 1,659 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths and 2 cases were de-notified. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announced that 22,698 people had recovered as of 31 May.
On 4 June, a further 38 cases and 5 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,142 cases and 1,664 deaths. 7 previously notified cases were de-notified.
On 5 June, a further 28 cases and 7 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,163 cases and 1,670 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 7 cases were de-notified. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a series of changes to the government's roadmap of easing COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland, which he summed up as: "Stay Local". The Government of Ireland confirmed that "phase two plus" of easing the COVID-19 restrictions would begin on Monday 8 June.
On 6 June, a further 24 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,183 cases and 1,678 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 4 cases were de-notified. On 7 June, a further 25 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,201 cases and 1,679 deaths. 7 previously notified cases were de-notified.

Phase Two Plus: 8–29 June

On 8 June, a further 9 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,207 cases and 1,683 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 9 June, a further 9 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,215 cases and 1,691 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 1 case was de-notified.
On 10 June, a further 19 cases and 5 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,231 cases and 1,695 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 3 cases were de-notified. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that 23,213 people had recovered, a rate of 92%. However he said that people who have recovered are experiencing longer term effects including fatigue and decreased exercise capacity.
On 11 June, a further 8 cases and 8 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,238 cases and 1,703 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.
On 12 June, a further 13 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,250 cases and 1,705 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 1 case was de-notified. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that travel restrictions remain in place and that nobody should leave Ireland for the purpose of tourism or leisure.
On 13 June, a further 46 cases and 5 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,295 cases and 1,705 deaths. 5 previously notified deaths and 1 case was de-notified. On 14 June, a further 8 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,303 cases and 1,706 deaths. On 15 June, a further 18 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,321 cases and 1,706 deaths. On 16 June, a further 14 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,334 cases and 1,709 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.
On 17 June, a further 8 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,341 cases and 1,710 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths and 1 case was de-notified. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that 23,308 people had recovered.
On 18 June, a further 16 cases and 4 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,355 cases and 1,714 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified.
On 19 June, a further 13 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,368 cases and 1,714 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a further re-configuration of the government's roadmap of easing COVID-19 restrictions with hairdressers, barbers, gyms, cinemas and churches reopening from 29 June.
On 20 June, a further 22 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,374 cases and 1,715 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 16 cases were de-notified. On 21 June, a further 6 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,379 cases and 1,715 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified. On 22 June, a further 4 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,383 cases and 1,717 deaths.
On 23 June, a further 10 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,391 cases and 1,720 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 24 June, a further 5 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,396 cases and 1,726 deaths. It was announced that 23,349 people had recovered as of 21 June, a rate of 92%.
On 25 June, a further 11 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,405 cases and 1,727 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified. The Government of Ireland confirmed that phase three of easing the COVID-19 restrictions would begin on Monday 29 June. Minister for Health Simon Harris announced that face coverings will be mandatory for passengers on public transport to allow capacity on buses, trains and trams to increase, with sanctions for non-compliance.
On 26 June, a further 11 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,414 cases and 1,730 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 27 June, a further 23 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,437 cases and 1,734 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified. On 28 June, a further 3 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,439 cases and 1,735 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.

Phase Three: 29 June–present

On 29 June, a further 24 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,462 cases and 1,735 deaths. Phase three of the government's roadmap of easing COVID-19 restrictions began. Remaining businesses reopened including all pubs serving food, cafés, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers, beauty salons and tourist attractions.
On 30 June, a further 11 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,473 cases and 1,736 deaths. On 1 July, a further 6 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,477 cases and 1,738 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 2 cases were de-notified.
On 2 July, a further 15 cases and 5 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,489 cases and 1,738 deaths. 5 previously notified deaths and 3 cases were de-notified. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announced that he is stepping back from his position to spend time with his family. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn will succeed him as Acting Chief Medical Officer.
On 3 July, a further 9 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,498 cases and 1,740 deaths. On 4 July, a further 11 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,509 cases and 1,741 deaths. On 5 July, a further 18 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,527 cases and 1,741 deaths. On 6 July, a further 4 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,531 cases and 1,741 deaths.
On 7 July, a further 24 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,538 cases and 1,742 deaths. The Health Service Executive released a COVID-19 tracker app that uses Bluetooth technology to record if a user is in close contact with another user, by exchanging anonymous codes, with over 725,000 downloads within a few hours after its launch.
On 8 July, a further 11 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,542 cases and 1,738 deaths. 4 previously notified deaths and 7 cases were de-notified. On 9 July, a further 23 cases and 6 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,565 cases and 1,743 deaths.
On 10 July, a further 25 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,589 cases and 1,744 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that the wearing of face coverings on public transport will be compulsory from Monday 13 July.
On 11 July, a further 23 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,611 cases and 1,746 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified. On 12 July, a further 17 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,628 cases and 1,746 deaths. On 13 July, a further 11 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,638 cases and 1,746 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified. On 14 July, a further 32 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,670 cases and 1,746 deaths.
On 15 July, a further 14 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,683 cases and 1,748 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified. Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that phase four of easing COVID-19 restrictions will not go ahead on 20 July and is postponed to 10 August. Following a Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle, the Government of Ireland announced five key priority areas:
On 16 July, a further 21 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,698 cases and 1,749 deaths. 6 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 17 July, a further 34 cases and 3 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,730 cases and 1,752 deaths. 2 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 18 July, a further 21 cases and 2 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,750 cases and 1,753 deaths. 1 previously notified death and 1 case was de-notified.
On 19 July, a further 10 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,760 cases and 1,753 deaths. A green list for safe travel, due to be published by the Government of Ireland on 20 July, was postponed due to ongoing negotiations in Brussels, where Taoiseach Micheál Martin is attending an EU summit. People coming into Ireland from countries on the list will not be required to quarantine for a 14-day period, as arrivals from countries not on the list are.
On 20 July, a further 6 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,766 cases and 1,753 deaths. Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn said that public health officials are now seeing outbreaks on construction sites, in fast food outlets and supermarkets. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that the green list of countries safe to travel to will be published this week. He also announced that people should only travel for essential reasons which include, caring for a family member abroad, essential work and citizens returning home.
On 21 July, a further 36 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,802 cases and 1,753 deaths. The Health Information and Quality Authority announced that half of nursing homes inspected by the authority were not following proper infection prevention and control regulations. The Department of Health announced that face shields will be accepted as an alternative to a face covering on public transport. Following a Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle, the Government of Ireland agreed to add 15 countries to a green list from which people can travel to without having to restrict their movements for 14 days upon arriving in Ireland, and will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis.
On 22 July, a further 17 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,819 cases and 1,754 deaths.
On 23 July, a further 7 cases and 9 deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,826 cases and 1,763 deaths. The Government of Ireland launched a €7.4 billion July Jobs Stimulus package of 50 measures to boost economic recovery and get people back to work, with the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme extended until April 2021.
On 24 July, a further 20 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,845 cases and 1,763 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified. On 25 July, a further 24 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 25,869 cases and 1,764 deaths.
On 26 July, a further 12 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,881 cases and 1,764 deaths.
On 27 July, a further 11 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,892 cases and 1,764 deaths. Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that 23,932 people had recovered. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan announced a €376 million support package and roadmap to reopen all schools in Ireland at the end of August which includes additional teachers and special needs assistants, personal protective equipment and stepped-up cleaning regimes.
On 28 July, a further 40 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,929 cases and 1,764 deaths. 3 previously notified cases were de-notified. On 29 July, a further 14 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 25,942 cases and 1,764 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.
On 30 July, a further 85 cases and 1 death were reported, bringing the totals to 26,027 cases and 1,763 deaths. 2 previously notified deaths were de-notified. The large increase of cases is due to a cluster at a dog food factory in Naas, Kildare and in cases associated with the construction industry. Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that 24,000 people had recovered.
On 31 July, a further 38 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 26,065 cases and 1,763 deaths. Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn announced that mass testing had taken place in relation to a number of known outbreaks.
On 1 August, a further 45 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 26,109 cases and 1,763 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.
On 2 August, a further 53 cases and no deaths were reported, bringing the totals to 26,162 cases and 1,763 deaths. 1 previously notified case was de-notified.