Though it is a part of everyday life now, we still weren't aware of how bad the Covid-19 situation would get in Ireland on this day last year.
However, in the evening, we got a stark warning from health officials.
On March 5 2020, seven new cases of Covid-19 were announced in Ireland and crucially, we saw Ireland's first case from community transmission.
Dr Tony Holohan said at the time: ''Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission. This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation.
''Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.
“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.''
Since those words, 4,396 have died from Covid in Ireland.
Dr Holohan continued, saying that the whole country would need to get on board.
''However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.
''The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice. Central to this are the protective measures we can all take against Covid-19, which include:
- maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- practice cough and sneeze hygiene - covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately
Interestingly, at that time there was no regulation or indication of masks in the community.
Furthermore, there was a specific focus on healthcare workers from Dr Holohan and Dr Sarah Doyle, a member of NPHET.
“At Tuesday’s meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team, we established a sub-group to look at health and social care workers’ protection'' Dr Holohan said.
“This will remain a priority as part of our response to Covid-19 in Ireland.''
HSE specialist in public health medicine Dr Sarah Doyle also warned that the virus would be spreading in the community soon.
Dr Doyle told the weekly HSE briefing on the virus that Ireland was a nation with a tradition of solidarity “and we have come through previous crises”.
Also on this day
There were some rumblings of questions as to whether then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar would still travel to Washington DC for St Patrick's Day to meet Donald Trump.
The US had recorded 14 deaths and 225 cases on the same day.
Prince William and Kate Middleton gave hurling a go at Salthill Knocknacarra GAA to conclude their three-day visit to Ireland.
Negotiations between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael about a potential coalition continued in the wake of the general election results.
