‘We must see this through.’

That was the message from Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning, as he issued a statement marking the midway point in the Level 5 restrictions.

“The data that we are seeing suggests that the effort is working and that we are one of the leaders in Europe in terms of our progress in pushing back the virus,” he said.

“However, we cannot take anything for granted and we must continue to adhere to the restrictions for the next three weeks.”

The latest Covid-19 measures will continue at Level 5 until December 1st.

“By continuing to drive down the incidence of the disease, we give ourselves the best chance to reopen parts of our society and to enjoy a meaningful Christmas.”

The Taoiseach paid tribute to the “courage and commitment” of Ireland’s frontline workers and congratulated young people on the “successful suppression of the virus” among their age groups.

“They are missing out on a lot, but their time will come and they should take great pride in the effort they are making to protect the more vulnerable in our society,” he added.

Reproduction number now at 0.6

A further 395 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported yesterday, with one additional death.

There were 31 new cases in Cork.

“We estimate the reproduction number is now at 0.6.” said Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET.

We are in a very different position now. We’ve shown what we can achieve, and the next three weeks will make all the difference. If we keep it up, we will have fewer that 100 cases per day by 1 December, and a brighter future. #HoldFirm 3/3 pic.twitter.com/iiSf1mKv2Z

— Professor Philip Nolan (@President_MU) November 12, 2020

“Data suggests that Level 3 measures stabilized case numbers, while Level 5 measures were required to suppress transmission, especially when infection rates are high. If we sustain our efforts we can force infection down to very low levels.”

Of the latest cases, 65% of patients are under 45 years of age and the median age is 35 years old.

According to the Department of Health, there has been a very significant decrease in incidence in younger adults, but a “persistently high’ incidence among older people.