HSE bosses urged the public to stay strong and stick to public health rules as Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease on Monday.
Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE, warned we could “go backwards” and the number of new cases could surge if people flout the public health rules still in place.
Nine weeks into lockdown, many people are missing friends and family and might feel tempted to ignore restrictions.
And as of Monday, up to four people from different households can meet briefly outdoors.
But both Mr Reid and Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer at the HSE, urged everyone to not gather in groups of more than four people.
Mr Reid said: “This has been a very difficult time and a lot of sacrifices have been made.
“I would urge everyone to continue to stay safe.”
The number of people with Covid-19 currently in ICUs across the country has dropped dramatically since last month.
There are now 54 people with the virus in ICUs, a drop of 67% since the peak in mid-April.
