"When Ireland eases social distancing restrictions, we may have periods when the numbers of people infected increases significantly."
The reported number of deaths due to Covid-19 has jumped once more, with 37 further deaths announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Wednesday evening (6 May).
The lastest figures take Ireland's cumulative death toll to 1,375, which also reflects the denotification of one death in the past 24 hours.
Additionally, 265 new confirmed cases have been reported, which brings the total number of cases in the Republic of Ireland to 22,248 since the beginning of the outbreak.
According to the latest figures, 6,393 (29%) of Ireland's known cases are healthcare workers. The median age of those diagnosed with Covid-19 is 49.
Speaking at today's briefing, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan noted the World Health Organisation's advice that "a likely future scenario in the dynamic of Covid-19 is recurring epidemic waves interspersed with periods of low-level transmission."
"This means that when Ireland eases social distancing restrictions, we may have periods when the numbers of people infected increases significantly." Holohan reiterated the importance that people adhere to "fundamental, individual behaviours" necessary to avoid transmission of the virus.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, noted that 78% of those diagnosed have since recovered.
