A FURTHER 37 people have passed away after contracting coronavirus, the Department of Health have confirmed.
As of 5.30pm yesterday, 6 May, a further 37 people had died, bringing Ireland's total number of coronavirus-related deaths to 1,375.
The National Public Health Emergency Team also announced an additional 265 newly confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, bringing the total to 22,248.
As usual, the HSE is working rapidly to identify any close contacts the newly confirmed cases may have had in order to advise them and slow the spread.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the HSE, reminded the Irish public of the importance of social distancing, and warned that although the curve is flattened,a second wave may still come.
"The World Health Organization has advised that a likely future scenario in the dynamic of COVID-19 is recurring epidemic waves interspersed with periods of low-level transmission," he said.
“This means that when Ireland eases social distancing restrictions, we may have periods of time when the numbers of people infected increases significantly.
“This is why it is vitally important that easing of social distancing restrictions is accompanied by a high level of adherence to the fundamental, individual behaviours needed to guard against transmission of the virus. We have to adapt our behaviours in order to live safely with COVID-19.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"78% of people who have been diagnosed to date with COVID-19 have recovered. This is very welcome and in line with international experience, however, the course of this disease in any one individual remains unpredictable. It is important that we are all aware of the risks and know how to prevent its spread.”
