A further nine people with COVID-19 have died in the Republic.

Three deaths that were previously classed as COVID-related have been denotified, so the total number of deaths here now stands at 1,651.

Fifty-nine new cases of the virus have also been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases here to 24,929.

Data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has shown that of the 24,870 cases reported to it as of midnight on May 28, 3,279 have been hospitalised. Of these, 408 have been admitted to ICU.

Some 7,955 cases are associated with healthcare workers, which is almost 32% of all cases.

Dublin continues to have the highest number of cases (13,031), followed by Cork (1,472) and Kildare (1,416).

Meanwhile, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme and Healthy Ireland have launched a SunSmart campaign, which urges people to protect their skin, while also protecting themselves from the virus.

Around 11,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, making it the most common and fastest-growing cancer in Ireland. However, most cases of skin cancer can be prevented.

"Getting through this time has been challenging for everybody and getting outside is one of the ways that we can look after our wellbeing. Luckily, we're having lots of lovely sunshine to raise our spirits, but it is also very important that we take the time to protect our skin.

"This SunSmart campaign aims to get us into the habit of protecting our skin every day, whatever the weather," explained the Minister for Health, Simon Harris.

It is the ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun that is responsible for skin cancers and at this time of the year, UV radiation levels are high. As a result, they can damage skin even on a cooler day, "so we need to get into the habit of protecting our skin even when it's cloudy," Minister Harris noted.

The SunSmart campaign focuses on 5 Ss:
-Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared t-shirts
-Slop on sunscreen on exposed areas, using factor 50+ for children
-Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
-Seek shade especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm and always use a sunshade on a child's buggy
-Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

"Exposure causing sunburn is the most damaging to skin, but frequent non-burning exposures also significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. By adopting the SunSmart 5 Ss, the majority of skin cancers caused by UV sun exposure could be prevented," explained consultant dermatologist at Tallaght University Hospital, Prof Anne-Marie Tobin.

She emphasised that children and young people "are particularly vulnerable" to the dangers of UV rays.

"UV exposure during the first 10-15 years of life makes a disproportionately large contribution to lifetime risk of skin cancer. Children have lower concentrations of the protective skin pigment melanin and thinner skin, therefore are more susceptible to the dangers of UV.

"Greater than three instances of severe sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma in later life. Protect yourself and your children today and your skin will thank you for the rest of your life," Prof Tobin said.

For more information on protecting your skin, click here.