Ireland chief medical officer has confirmed the country has suppressed the coronavirus - but warned cases could rise again next week.
The Republic of Ireland on Monday recorded no new deaths linked to the virus for the first time since March 21.
Dr Tony Holohan said it took "strict measures" to achieve this.
However, he added that Ireland will have to wait until next week before seeing if the first phase of lifting lockdown restrictions has sparked an increase in infections.
Speaking on Monday evening, Dr Holohan said: “The number of new cases and reported deaths over the past week indicates that we have suppressed COVID-19 as a country.
"It has taken strict measures to achieve this.
"It will take another week to see any effect on disease incidence that might arise from the easing of measures in Phase 1.”
He was speaking as the Department of Health announced a further 59 people in the Republic have tested positive for the virus.
A total of 24,698 have been infected here since the outbreak began.
The death toll has actually decreased to 1,606 following the de-notification of two deaths by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, stressed the importance of respiratory etiquette as research shows 61% of Irish people believe the country will get a second wave.
He said: “According to research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health, 61% of people think it likely that Ireland will experience a second wave of COVID-19.
“While NPHET continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19, both here in Ireland and internationally, ultimately it is the collective behaviours of each individual which will determine the course of this disease.
"The importance of regular hand washing, physical distance and cough/sneeze etiquette cannot be underestimated.”
Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and HSE Integrated Care Lead, added: “If a person is experiencing symptoms of any condition, including symptoms associated with conditions for which there are screening programmes, it is important to make early contact with you doctor and not await a routine screening appointment.
"GP clinics have remained open throughout the pandemic and will continue to be available to the public in these circumstances.”
