Keep your distance and stay outside.

That’s the advice from Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health this week, as he urged the public to continue to social distance as restrictions are lifted in the coming days.

While hospital admissions are at their lowest number in more than seven months, a further 418 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the past 24 hours, 39 in Cork, with seven deaths from the disease. The median age of those who died was 82 years and the age range was 67-92 years.

“As we look forward to the greater reopening of activities and services, our key objective now is to maintain our course in coming weeks and follow the public health advice in our daily activities.” Dr Holohan said.

“When you are planning to meet someone, remember that outdoors is safer for everybody. And when you meet up, stay at a 2m distance, keep to a small group and avoid crowded areas – this will minimise the risk of passing the virus from person to person, driving down the incidence rate and keeping our society open.

Dr Holohan said that many outbreaks and clusters of coronavirus have come as a result of social events such as funerals, wakes and birthday parties.

“Unfortunately we need to continue to stay vigilant to the infectious nature of this disease and avoid congregating together in large groups. We need all sectors of society to continue to encourage and support the public health messages and to help everyone to stay safe.”