''It should be a message to us all to stay the course because these measures are beginning to have effect''.
The HSE says there's a "positive theme" emerging as Level 5 coronavirus restrictions begin to take effect.
It's exactly a week since the country was moved to the highest level of lockdown measures.
During that time, six out of the last seven days (including this evening) have seen the number of new cases stay below one thousand.
However, the number of people in intensive care has risen to 42 and there are 330 patients being treated for the virus in hospital.
The HSE's Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry says there's no room for complacency.
''There's a theme emerging that is positive, that some of the measures are starting to kick in'', he said.
''And this, rather than allow people to take things easier, it should be a message to us all to stay the course because these measures are beginning to have effect''.
New cases.
This evening, six deaths and a further 866 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic.
Of those cases:
- 428 are men / 438 are women
- 63% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 35 years old
- 242 in Dublin, 166 in Cork, 56 in Donegal, 54 in Galway, 44 in Meath and the remaining 304 cases are spread across another 20 counties.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “It is vitally important that if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that you self-isolate and phone your GP for further advice.”
“Self-isolate means stay in your room and avoid contact with other members of your household. Doing this will protect those you live with by interrupting the chain of transmission.”
“I again appeal to everyone to behave as though you are a close contact. Stay at home, other than for essential reasons.”
