The Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health has urged the Irish public to continue following the basic measures in order to keep the rate of Covid-19 down.
Dr Tony Holohan was speaking as the DOH confirmed today's statistics about the virus, including two deaths and 383 new cases.
Dr Holohan said: “As we move closer to the easing of restrictions on 10 May, we can look forward to opportunities to enjoy the better weather and to meeting with our family and close friends safely and with the public health measures in mind.
“The virus is still circulating in the community and is still a risk, particularly to those who have yet to be vaccinated.
"Collectively we know how to interrupt the spread of this disease, so when you are making plans for coming week, don’t underestimate the need to keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and wash your hands.
"And if it’s crowded, turn around and come back another time. Together these simple measures will minimise the risk of infection.”
Of the cases notified today:
- 194 are men / 189 are women
- 79% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 28 years old
- 129 are in Dublin, 40 in Kildare, 32 in Meath, 25 in Donegal, 25 in Louth and the remaining 132 cases are spread across 21 other counties
As of 8am today, 144 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 41 are in ICU. There have been 10 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
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There has been a total of 4,908 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. There is now a total of 250,672 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as one case was denotified.
As of Sunday May 2nd, 1,604,644 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland:
- 1,159,083 people have received their first dose
- 445,561 people have received their second dose
