Ireland in remarkable Covid-19 cases turnaround compared to Spain, France, the UK and others

Ireland has recorded a remarkable turnaround in its Covid-19 response, new figures show, with cases here falling even as the virus surges across much of Europe.

The latest Europe-wide data marks us out as a European outlier, with our 14-day incidence dropping dramatically in recent days compared to other countries in Europe.

As of today, Ireland's two-week incidence rate per 100,000 is 220.1 – a figure that puts us far below Spain, France and the UK, among a host of other European countries.

And when it comes to deaths per 100,000 over the last fortnight, we're one of the seven best countries in the EU – a positive sign for a country that faced spiralling cases just weeks ago.

Dr Tony Holohan Chief Medical Officer Department of Health during a Committee Meeting on Transport & Communications Networks on Issues affecting the aviation sector in Ireland at Leinster House on Kildare Street, Dublin (Collins Photo Agency)

By comparison, France – which followed Ireland's lead last week by imposing strict new measures until the start of December – had a 14-day incidence rate of 853.6.

In Spain, this figure is 577.5 as of today, while the UK is the third-worst in Europe with a fortnightly rate per 100,000 of 467.1.

Italy, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and Hungary are among the slew of other European countries with higher 14-day incidence rates than Ireland.

The positive news comes after Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the country that Ireland has pulled its R number – a key indicator in the spread of Covid-19 – below 1 for the first time since Level Five restrictions were implemented.

Mr Donnelly told the Health Committee today that the figures are one of a number of signs that the new measures could be working.

Yesterday, Ireland recorded 322 daily cases, the lowest since September, as well as five new deaths.

Health bosses were optimistic about the reduction in cases over the last few weeks, as Ireland adapts to a new reality in Level Five restrictions, but cautioned that "maintaining this downward trend is now the most crucial things."

Dr Tony Holohan said yesterday that the "value of our progress depends on continuing the safe behaviour that got us to this position.

"I urge everyone to keep it up, to ensure these initial trends continue," he added.