![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/covid19_07252020.png\")
The lowest number of Covid-19 patients are currently in hospital since the peak, the head of the Health Service Executive has said.<\/p>\nThe lowest number of Covid-19 patients are currently in hospital since the peak, the head of the Health Service Executive has said.<\/p>\n
Paul Reid said there are 10 confirmed positive cases in hospital, with five patients with Covid-19 receiving treatment in intensive care.<\/p>\n
The figures show a 96% drop from a peak of 140 people in intensive care in April.<\/p>\n
Mr Reid tweeted: \u201cOur thoughts with everyone for a full recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Friday, health authorities were notified of another 20 confirmed Covid-19 cases but no new deaths.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Department of Education is continuing to work on its plan to reopen schools at the end of August.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there are some \u201cfinal details\u201d to be completed over the weekend.<\/p>\n
Minister for Education Norma Foley said she will bring a memo to Cabinet on Monday which will outline details of how schools will reopen.<\/p>\n
The Government has said its \u201ctop priority\u201d is seeing the return of teachers, pupils and school staff in the new academic year.<\/p>\n
Ms Foley described the document as \u201cdetailed and comprehensive\u201d.<\/p>\n
Speaking after she briefed Mr Martin on the plan on Friday, Ms Foley said: \u201cThe full and safe reopening of schools is my number one objective as Education Minister.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe partners in education, including parents, teachers, students, principals and the widest representation, have fully and totally engaged in this process.<\/p>\n
\u201cClarity takes time. I am confident that what I take to Cabinet will be solution-focused, it will be a road-map that everyone can clearly identify with.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no point in bringing anything that is not completed. It\u2019s been a long process of work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once the document has been approved by Cabinet, the detailed guidance will be sent to schools.<\/p>\n