A further four people have died from Covid-19 in the Republic, while another 88 cases have also been confirmed.
It means the death toll now stands at 1,547 and the total number of confirmed cases is 24,200.
There's one new confirmed case of the virus in Waterford, as of midnight on Saturday.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases here since the outbreak began to 147.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 4 people with #COVID19 have died.
There have now been a total 1,547 #COVID19 related deaths in Ireland.— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) May 18, 2020
Today’s data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, as of midnight, Saturday May 16th (24,036 cases), reveals:
· 57% are female and 43% are male
· The median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
· 3,127 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 391 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 7,615 cases are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,693 (49% of all cases) followed by Kildare with 1,367 cases (6%) and then Cork with 1,361 cases (5%)
· Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 60%, close contact accounts for 37%, travel abroad accounts for 3%
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “On the first day of Ireland moving into Phase One of reopening we have experienced the lowest number of deaths since March 27th. We have suppressed the virus and limited its impact on public health. We need to sustain this in the weeks and phases ahead.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said; “Every death is one too many, but the collective effort to date has saved many lives. We must save more by practicing physical distancing, especially in queues and public spaces, respiratory etiquette and hand washing.”
Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and HSE Integrated Care Lead, said: “Moving into a new phase in Ireland’s response to COVID-19, we now have an opportunity to increase our exercise activity up to 5 kilometres and participate with a friend outside of the household. I would urge anyone who can, to take advantage of this in order to improve mental health and wellbeing.”
