Dr Ronan Glynn has said that Ireland's bid to suppress the spread of Covid has "improved nationally" but concerns still persist about the spread of the disease in Limerick.
Earlier this evening, Nphet announced 319 new cases of Covid with 60 people in hospital. Of these patients, 23 are in ICU.
While Ireland's vaccine programme achieved significant milestones this week with over 1m people fully vaccinated and 3.1m doses being administered, there are still concerns about the spread of the disease, especially in Limerick.
Speaking on Friday evening, Dr Glynn said: "The profile of COVID-19 has continued to improve nationally over the last week. While incidence in Limerick, in particular, remains very high (879 cases over the past fortnight) it is clear that there has been a concerted effort by all to arrest this pattern."
Glynn has called on people in Limerick to continue adhering to the correct healthcare guidelines and social distancing protocols.
The Deputy CMO said: "However, over the coming days, it remains very important that people nationally, but particularly in Limerick, continue to adhere to core protective measures-meet outdoors, avoid crowds, keep distance from others & come forward for testing if you have any concerns.
"Continued adherence to public health advice, along with our excellent uptake of the vaccine continues to give great hope and is one more example of the vast majority of people acting in solidarity with one another. Please take the Covid vaccine when it is offered to you."
Elsewhere, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer has said that Nphet is closely monitoring the spread of the Delta variant in the UK.
"There is increasing concern in recent weeks regarding the spread of the Delta variant in the UK where it now accounts for over 90% of cases, with a doubling time, in some areas, as low as 4.5 days.
“The public health advice remains that people should not travel to Great Britain at this time and, for anyone returning from Great Britain, it is vital that you quarantine and get tested."
