There’s some good news from Ireland’s hospitals this morning.

With the one-millionth dose of the coronavirus vaccine set to be administered today, the number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 has dropped significantly in the past 24 hours, with 220 people now battling the virus on Irish wards, down 41 on the previous day’s figures.

While the decrease is positive, the HSE reports that there are still 58 patients with Covid-19 in intensive care. The number has risen slightly by three in the past two days.

Yesterday, the Department of Health was notified of nine further Covid-related deaths and 443 new cases of the disease, 32 of which were in Cork.

Marking the 100th day of Ireland’s Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said “incredible progress” has been made so far and confirmed Ireland is “on course for four in five adults who want a vaccine to have at least a first dose by the end of June.”

“We’re now focusing on those aged 70 and older.” Mr Donnelly said.

Today is the 100th day of Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. We’ve made incredible progress so far and we’re on course for four in five adults who want a vaccine to have at least a first dose by the end of June. @roinnslainte @HSELive @AmbulanceNAS @defenceforces pic.twitter.com/8H9tNvbpQq

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) April 7, 2021

“All of these people will be offered at least their first dose in the coming weeks. And people who are vulnerable to Covid with very high-risk conditions are also being vaccinated at the moment.”

Minister Donnelly said these groups are beginning to experience a “vaccine bonus” as the number of Covid-19 infections in vaccinated people has dropped dramatically in the last few weeks.

The HSE plans to deliver one million vaccines per month in the coming months.

“If we can keep the curve flat for that bit longer, we can look forward to a much better summer,” Mr Donnelly said.