In other restriction-related news, partners of pregnant women and new mothers will be allowed to accompany them to maternity hospitals for scans and other medical appointments under a new uniform approach expected to be announced today.

Elsewhere in health, Fórsa has praised the efforts of non-frontline healthcare staff in the roll out of Covid-19 vaccines, and for their work, now underway, to ship supplies to India. This news comes as the largest Pfizer vaccine delivery to Ireland of 191,800 doses arrived yesterday.

People around the world paused yesterday on International Workers' Memorial Day to remember those who've been killed, injured or fallen ill at work. This included our own NEC, who observed a moment's silence at noon to pay their respects. Congress also streamed an online ceremony where a commemorative wreath was laid at the Garden of Remembrance.

Meanwhile, trade unions and other supporters are continuing to push for greater worker involvement in company decisions, labelling it as an effort for “more democracy at work.” They want to see this topic play a larger role on the EU’s agenda, particularly at the upcoming Porto Social Summit.

In Kerry, up to 25 network technicians with the ESB took part in a 24-hour strike over a dispute about the outsourcing of contracts to private operators. The company has since said it has formally issued proceedings in the High Court against the Independent Workers’ Union seeking damages.

Revenue has published its annual report for 2020 after what it called an "unprecedented" year for the tax collector. It collected gross receipts of over €82 billion last year, including over €15 billion on behalf of other Government Departments and agencies. Net Exchequer receipts were €56 billion, a decrease of 3.6% or €2.1 billion on 2019.

And the BBC have this piece on politicians from all sides reacting to the news of DUP leader Arlene Foster's resignation yesterday.

Finally, the much anticipated revival of West Side Story is due to hit our screens this December after its release date was postponed last year due to the pandemic. Audiences saw the first teaser trailer of Steven Spielberg's upcoming hit at the Oscar's last weekend. That's your zen for today.

Just a quick note to say that this will be my last digest (for a while, at least) and I very much enjoyed interacting with you this way over the past number of years. I look forward to a time when we can all safely meet up again, but for now, best wishes and stay safe.