A FURTHER 4 people have died after contracting coronavirus in Ireland, the Department of Health have confirmed.
The National Public Health Emergency Team announced the 4 deaths at a press briefing yesterday evening. Their sad passing brings the total number of coronavirus-related deaths to 1,547.
It is the lowest daily increase in deaths in Ireland since March.
An additional 88 cases of Covid-19 have also been confirmed in the Republic, the Department of Health said yesterday.
As usual, the HSE is working rapidly to trace any close contacts the new cases may have had, in order to further slow the spread of the virus.
The new figures means that, as of 5.30pm on Monday 18 May, there have been 24,200 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ireland.
These figures -- 4 deaths and 88 new cases-- were reported on the first day of Ireland's phased reopening of the country.
From yesterday, certain shops are allowed to open and citizens can meet up to four people as long as they are outdoors and remain two metres apart from each other.
Speaking yesterday, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, said the new numbers are positive but that we must keep it up.
"On the first day of Ireland moving into Phase One of reopening we have experienced the lowest number of deaths since March 27th. We have suppressed the virus and limited its impact on public health. We need to sustain this in the weeks and phases ahead."
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said:
Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and HSE Integrated Care Lead, said:
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