The number of intensive care beds occupied by Covid-19 patients has hit a new low in Germany - despite an increase in recorded cases over recent weeks. The pattern is similar to that seen in other Europe countries, including Ireland.
There was a chink of normality for the girls of the class of 2020 in Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny last week, when they finally got to attend their graduation ceremony - albeit in the unfamiliar surrounds of a socially distanced Nowlan Park.
Why is there confusion about going back to school?
Going to school is a central part of our society. We need to stop and think more deeply about how it affects so many aspects of society before we make decisions about school reopening.
It is just over 22 weeks since the initial Covid-19 measures were announced, which subsequently led to a lockdown in all but name. To put it another way, back then all the talk was of St Patrick's Day; in 19 weeks from now, Christmas will be over.
Schools say they will need access to rapid Covid-19 testing when the academic year gets under way if they are to remain open and function properly.
On the afternoon of August 14, 1945, Alfred Eisenstaedt was strolling around New York City, observing a country in a state of jubilation. The Allied victory over the Japanese empire was about to be confirmed, and Eisenstaedt, a renowned photojournalist, had been told to take a snapshot to capture that momentous day for the readers...
