Kilkenny now has the lowest Covid-19 rate in the entire country as the entire country begins to bring down virus rates.
Health authorities have reported 14 additional deaths related to Covid-19 and 455 new cases of the virus this Saturday evening.
Of the deaths reported today, three occurred in April, one in March, six in February, and four in January.
The average age of those who died was 72.5 years but in terms of the new cases, the median age is 30-years-old.
With lockdown measures beginning to ease from Monday, the HSPC's latest report shows that Kilkenny currently has the lowest 14-day incidence rate in the Republic of Ireland.
Sligo, Kerry, Carlow and Clare are also reporting an incidence rate that's below 50.
This particular data was gathered from March 26 to April 8. In terms of a low figure for the cumulative 14-day incidence rates of confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 population in Ireland, these counties are the lowest:
Kilkenny - 20.1
Sligo - 21.4
Kerry - 30.5
Carlow - 40.4
Clare - 44.6
Leitrim - 53.
Waterford - 56.8
Roscommon - 74.4
Limerick - 81.1
Galway - 86.4
Elsewhere, at 323,2, Offaly has the highest incidence rate in the country.
Health authorities have reported that as of tonight, the five-day moving average in Ireland is 438.
Last night, Dr Ronan Glynn warned that anyone who may have been exposed to Covid-19 over the Easter weekend will now be at their most infectious.
People who begin to display symptoms are asked to isolate and contact their GP immediately to arrange a Covid-19 test.
Dr Glynn tweeted: "Anyone exposed to Covid-19 over the Easter weekend will now be at their most infectious. If you have any symptoms please isolate and contact a GP."
Dr Glynn reiterated the list of steps people need to take to keep the transmission of the virus low and prevent new cases:
1. Keep your contacts low & only meet up with others outdoors
2. Don't travel in cars with people from other households
3. Avoid crowds
4. If you have any cold or 'flu-like symptoms, please isolate and contact a GP to arrange a test - do not 'wait & see'.
5. For those who have been vaccinated remember you are not fully protected until 2 weeks after your second dose.
In a joint statement with NI Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride echoed this sentiment when he said: “Easter is a time when, traditionally, many of us spend time with our families and loved ones.
“Unfortunately, this Easter, we still have a very dangerous, very transmissible virus, circulating in our communities that continues to spread and cause serious illness and, sadly, death.
“We have already seen the clear bonus that vaccinations are bringing with cases and deaths in nursing homes and hospitals and cases amongst healthcare workers falling dramatically across the island.
“There are much brighter days ahead.
“If we can stick with these measures, we can avoid another wave and all of us, together, will be able to look back as a society, and reflect proudly on how we came together to protect each other and save lives.”
