‘We’re not out of the woods yet.’

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly had some measured good news on the Covid-19 situation for the Oireachtas Health Committee yesterday.

As The National Public Health Emergency Team prepare to meet today to discuss Ireland’s handling of the latest outbreak, Minister Donnelly revealed that the R number is now between 0.7 and 0.9 and the 14-day incidence rate is falling in 23 of the 26 counties. The testing positivity rate has also fallen to 4.7%.

A further 48 cases of coronavirus were reported in Cork in the past 24 hours, with 444 cases recorded nationally during that time. There were eight further deaths from the disease.

“This hopeful news is really welcome, but we’re not out of the woods yet.” Minister Donnelly tweeted.

This hopeful news is really welcome, but we’re not out of the woods yet. The number of positive cases remain a serious concern. Almost 11,000 cases were reported in the past 14 days. If we continue to do the right thing, the numbers will keep going in the right direction 📉

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 4, 2020

“The number of positive cases remain a serious concern. Almost 11,000 cases were reported in the past 14 days. If we continue to do the right thing, the numbers will keep going in the right direction.”

‘Stay at home’

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan appealed to anyone identified as a close contact to follow the guidelines carefully:

“Every piece of public health advice we have given from the outset of this pandemic is designed to keep everyone protected from the impact of COVID-19.” he said.

“If you are a close contact of a confirmed case, you are asked to restrict your movements for 14 days and to attend for your two free COVID-19 tests, one on day 0 and one on day 7. This is because as an identified close contact, you have come into contact with the virus. It may take some time for this to become apparent, or for you to become infectious.

“By staying at home for this entire 14 day period, you are helping to stop the spread of this dangerous disease. In following this important guidance, you are helping to bring this virus right back down to where we all need it to be and playing your part in this national effort.”