There are plenty of big changes on the way.

In one of the most uplifting announcements since the pandemic began, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced the next steps in the plan to reopen the country, as agreed in Cabinet today.

Speaking outside Government Buildings this evening, Martin praised the public for the widespread uptake of the vaccine and confirmed a raft of dates for the return of travel, hospitality, weddings, sports, and large events.

“Given our progress and the current level of the virus in society – all the measures we hoped to introduce will go ahead,” he said.

While most of the details had been leaked during the week, there are some welcome surprises for June, as the Taoiseach urged the public to “trust the science” and continue to adhere to public health guidelines.

Here are the key points announced today:

• Indoor visits: Starting on June 7th, indoor visits will be permitted from one household (for unvaccinated people). From July 5th you can have visitors from up to three other households inside your home.
• Travel: International travel will be back on the cards from July 19th, although concerns remain over the Indian variant of Covid-19 in Britain. Current government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel but depending on the prevailing public health situation at the time, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA.
• Indoor dining: You’ll be able to enjoy a pint or dinner indoors from July 5th.
• Outdoor dining: Alfresco pints and meals are back on June 7th.
• Hotels: Hotels and B&Bs across Ireland can reopen on June 2nd.
• Gyms and pools: You can exercise and swim indoors from June 7th.
• Indoor sports: Fitness and dance classes and indoor sports can resume in pods of six people from July 5th.
• Cinemas and theatre: Movie and theatre lovers can catch a film or show indoors from June 7th.
• Weddings: Starting on July 5th, 50 guests will be allowed at wedding receptions. In August, that number increases to 100 guests but an exact date has yet to be decided.
• Events: From July 7th, 200 people will be allowed at outdoor matches and sports events, 500 for larger stadiums. After August 2nd, up to 5,000 spectators will be allowed. In one of the first trial matches on Leeside, Cork City will play Cabinteely at Turners Cross on June 11th.
• Driving tests: Theory tests and driving test centres are permitted to reopen on a phased basis from June 7th, with 25,000 tests per month to take place.

More than 2.5m Covid-19 vaccines administered

Despite a crippling computer hack that is likely to cost the HSE more than €100m, the vaccination rollout is continuing apace with more than 2.5m doses administered so far.

Plans are also in place to carry out 400,000 vaccinations per week throughout June, with registration for people aged 40-45 due to open next week.

According to the latest figures, 467 additional cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the past 24 hours. Right now, 99 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 38 are receiving treatment in ICU.