Health officials have reported an additional 8 deaths linked to Covid, and 309 cases today.
That brings the total death toll during the pandemic to 4,820.
From the deaths they reported today, 4 happened in April, 2 happened in February and 2 before that.
Today's cases are in Dublin (107), Kildare (30), Meath (21), Limerick (14).
So the rest are spread across 18 different counties.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has hailed the public's efforts in a Twitter thread.
Stephen Donnelly says the reduction in close contacts is "a phenomenal achievement."
1. R 0.7 to 1.0, likely a little under 1.
2. 5 day case average 388, down 10% on last week (270 end Nov). Critically, NPHET saying this not down to vaccines (yet) but is down to people sticking with health measures, meeting outdoors, etc. - HUGE achievement for Ireland! 🙏
(2/4)— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) April 15, 2021
Reason For Optimism During Covid Vaccine Rollout
Denis McCauley is the Chairman of the GP committee of the Irish Medical Organisation.
He feels there is reason to be optimistic about our vaccine rollout:
"If not for the new guidance on Monday the positive waves from the weekend would have continued."
While he says people wouldn't be so confused.
"I think the actions of the Irish people have worked very well."
Adding to that, he says, "I would encourage them to continue with that for this month particularly."
"So we can get the vaccine dividends completely bedded in."
