Ten more deaths from COVID-19 have been reported, as well as 617 new cases of the virus.

Of the 10 deaths, seven occurred in April, one in March, one in February and one in January. This brings the total number of deaths in the Republic to 4,866.

Of the 617 new cases, 236 occurred in Dublin, 84 in Donegal 37 in Kildare, 34 inn Tipperary and 30 in Offaly. The total number of cases now stands at 245,310.

As of 8am on Thursday, there were 176 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 48 of whom were in ICU. There had been 19 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

As of April 20, over 1.2 million doses of the vaccine had been administered. Over 362,000 people have received both of their two doses.

According to the Department of Health's chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, the country is in a strong position "in that transmission levels have reduced substantially and the rollout of vaccination is protecting more and more of those at risk from the severe effects of COVID-19".

"If we can maintain our current position there is hope that we can look forward to a real easing of measures, but it is as important as ever that we don't put that progress at risk by letting our collective guard down too much, or too early," he said.

According to Prof Philip Nolan, chair of NPHET's Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, the R number is estimated as being "very close to 1.0".

"We continue to keep close contacts at 2.6, a phenomenal testament to the public in keeping social transmission low. All indicators of the disease are stable or declining slowly, though we may see an increase in cases over the coming days. Maintaining this over the coming weeks is key to managing community transmission, and a move towards easing of measures," he commented.

Meanwhile, according to Prof Martin Cormican, clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and infection control with the HSE, the benefits of vaccination in nursing homes and long-term residential care facilities "are now very clear".

"There has been a dramatic drop in the number of residents and staff developing severe disease. New visitation guidance agreed by NPHET on Thursday represents another step to support residents in long term residential care facilities in maintaining meaningful relationships with their family and friends.

"From May 4, nursing home residents, in which most residents are fully vaccinated, can expect four visits with two people per week," he said.

For more information on the latest COVID figures, click here.