Ireland has managed to achieve its goal of suppressing the spread of COVID-19, according to Dr Tony Holohan.
The chief medical officer at the Department of Health has also warned that the next few weeks are just as important as the first few weeks of battling the coroanvirus as we look to ease restrictions.
The National Public Health Emergency Team explained at tonight's briefing that the reproduction number of the disease is between 0.5 and 0.6, which means it is not growing as it is below 1.0.
Despite the positive news, they stressed the importance of maintaining our behaviours that have suppressed the disease need to continue as restrictions are eased beginning May 18.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “The reproduction number is between 0.5 -0.6. We have achieved our goal of suppressing the spread of the disease, it was not easy for anyone but there is no question that our collective effort has saved lives.
“Now we look to the pattern of COVID-19 going forward, as we attempt to ease restrictions. These weeks are just as important as the first weeks of our response. Our behaviours are crucial in maintaining our progress and keeping the reproduction number below 1.”
The nation is still being urged to only make necessary journeys outside their home, and practise social distancing when out in shops and public areas.
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said: “The number of ICU admissions, new cases and deaths is now falling and has been for over a week.
"This is driven by a reduction of transmission of the virus in the community and reinforces the importance of our behaviours going forward.”
