Four more people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland bringing the overall death toll to 1,683.
There have also been nine new cases confirmed, the lowest daily figure since 11 March. This brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 25,210.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the "mission has not been accomplished" in regards to Covid-19 and we still have two more phases to go.
'Mission has not been accomplished', says Dr Tony Holohan. He says they have seen a continued decline in new Covid-19 cases, but we’re only ‘halfway through this’. | Follow live updates: https://t.co/QeqZ65WATC pic.twitter.com/AqVVqXo9f6
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 8, 2020
Dr Holohan said all of the disease parameters are continuing in a downward trajectory, but they are keeping a close eye on that.
He said there have been no new increases in the number of clusters or cases in the Roma community, among the Traveller Community or among the homeless.
In relation to Direct Provision, there has been one additional cluster notified and four additional cases in total.
In relation to workplaces, there are a total of 47 clusters overall, an increase of four clusters. Of these, 22 are in respect of meat plants, an increase of two and the total number of cases involved is 1,091, an increase of 43 since last week.
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When it comes to easing restrictions, Dr Holohan said they believe "the pace is right" but they will continue to watch the behaviour of the disease.
He said they will continue to look at the guidelines on social distancing requirements in the hospitality sector during periods of low transmission.
In relation to face covering, Dr Holohan said he did not necessarily think the use of face masks would become mandatory, but he said "we will redouble our efforts to advise the public about the importance of wearing masks in public and in retail situations which is why we keep stressing it".
There were no Covid-19 fatalities reported in Northern Ireland over the past 24 hours, for the second day in a row, and the death toll there remains at 537.
There are six new cases of Covid-19, taking the number of confirmed cases in the region to 4,802.
The latest figures come as thousands more businesses across the country opened their doors for the first time in nearly three months, as the second phase of the Government's plan to get the economy moving again gets under way.
All retailers with their own on-street entrances are allowed to resume in-person trade, but opening times and how they operate vary.
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However, people are being urged to shop locally, shop safely, and support businesses in their community.
Marts can also reopen again, provided social distancing and hygiene can be maintained.
Those who can work from home are being asked to continue to do so, with the Government saying it is more important than ever that this happens.
Minister for Health Simon Harris warned that progress against the coronavirus is "still fragile".
Health authorities have appealed to people to stay local and limit the amount of people they meet.
From today, people can travel anywhere within their own county and up to 20km from home, if crossing into another county.
Outdoor exercise, cultural or social activities of up to 15 people may take place, while it is hoped many outdoor play areas will reopen. Libraries are also beginning to open again.
Up to 25 people are now able to attend funeral services.
From today, you can also meet up to six people from outside your household, indoors or outdoors.
Number of people receiving Pandemic Unemployment Payment falls
Meanwhile, the number of people receiving the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has fallen to 515,700 - a reduction of 27,400 on the same point last week.
For the first time since its introduction, more people are in jobs subsidised by the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme than are receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
At the peak of the Covid-19 related unemployment surge, 598,000 people were claiming the PUP.
However since then, over 80,000 people have returned to work as the economy gradually reopens - a drop of around 15%.
