THERE HAS been some good news from Ireland's battle against Covid-19 as the Department of Health have confirmed that 84% of people diagnosed with the virus have now recovered.
A statement from the National Public Health Emergency team yesterday reported that out of Ireland's total of 23,401 confirmed cases, over 84% of people have completely recovered.
An incredible 19,470 people are now virus-free after successfully beating Covid-19, meaning Ireland currently has 3,931 confirmed active cases of coronavirus.
Minister for Health Simon Harris took to Twitter yesterday evening where he broke the good news, saying "Our world is now full of statistics and numbers. I wanted to share an important one with you.
"Our latest figures show 19,470 people have recovered from #COVID-19.
"That is 84.3% of those who have contracted this virus."
In further good news, Minister Harris announced earlier today that the number of people being treated for Covid-19 in ICUs across the country has dropped to 62.
The number of #Covid19 patients in ICUs in Irish hospitals today has reduced further to 62. Good to see this number continuing to reduce. We think of the 62 people - our friends & relatives from across the contra - in intensive care today fighting this awful disease. Stay safe pic.twitter.com/3PUKmB06BZ
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 14, 2020
Acknowledging that the drop is significant one, Minister Harris also offered his thoughts to "the 62 people - our friends and relatives... in intensive care today fighting the disease", and urged people to "stay safe".
While the news is certainly positive, Mr Harris also warned that people should not become complacent and that Ireland's figures will only continue to drop if everyone continues to adhere by social distancing guidelines.
"I am an optimist & I really like highlighting progress the Irish people have made against #Covid19," he began, "but I have to say this - any narrative emerging that this battle is won needs to be dismissed.
"Progress is clear but fragile. The virus is here, it’s infectious & it can be fatal.
"If we ease some restrictions soon it will be more important than ever that we all follow public health advice," he continued. "Physical distance will remain vital & not going beyond any easing allowed will be crucial to success or failure," adding that "huge self-discipline will be required from us all".
"We all want restrictions eased when safe to do so - but anything that rushes ahead of advice or allows impatience with pace of easing take over will set itself up for failure, for much more illness & sadly many more deaths".
Concluding the statement, the Health Minister said:
"Let’s do this right & let’s continue to work together."
