THE REPUBLIC of Ireland has recorded its second day in a row with no coronavirus deaths.
In what is good news in Ireland's continued fight against Covid-19, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) yesterday announced that there had been no deaths and 11 new cases.
The number of new cases is a significant drop from earlier in the week, where the figures were consistently in the mid-twenties, raising hopes that the R number could be reducing.
The Republic of Ireland has now recorded a total of 25,638 coronavirus cases; the HSE is working rapidly to identify any close contacts of the 11 new cases in order to advise them and further slow the spread of the disease.
1,746 people are reported to have lost their lives to the virus.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"Our research shows that 38% of the population now believe the worst of the pandemic is ahead of us.
"This does not have to be the case.
"Simple measures like hand washing, physical distancing, face coverings in appropriate settings, cough/sneeze etiquette and watching out for symptoms are the crucial elements in suppressing COVID-19."
Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, urged people to download the HSE's track and trace app to further slow the spread of the virus.
"Almost 1.25 million people in Ireland have downloaded the COVID Tracker App," she said.
"That represents 34% of the adult population. This has already served as a support to contact tracers. If you have not done so to date, please download the app.”
Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead, HSE, said it was vital that anyone experiencing symptoms contact their GP immediately.
"As we see more cases and clusters emerge it is important that anyone experiencing symptoms isolates and contacts their GP," she said.
"The aim is to find all cases of COVID-19 in Ireland and to isolate and contact trace them. Early reporting of symptoms and prompt testing helps us achieve this.”
