The World Health Organisation (WHO) say Ireland's recovery from the third wave of Covid-19 has been 'strong and dramatic' — but is warning of the danger of a fourth wave.
556 new cases were confirmed here yesterday, along with 68 additional deaths.
It was the lowest number of cases in over seven weeks, and there were nearly 7,000 this day last month.
Dr David Nabarro, the World Health Organisation's special envoy on Covid-19, says Ireland has rapidly improved after last month's peak.
Dr Nabarro said: “I think the Irish recovery has been strong. I look across Europe, the rate at which number of cases are declining, I also study rates of hospitalisation and I do see Ireland is in an exceptional position."
Fourth wave
He added: “This virus is capable of surging back with an incredible ferocity, having had three waves it's quite likely there will be a fourth wave and that fourth wave will be much more likely and more serious if we take our foot off the pedal.”
An infectious disease expert has also said the country is over the worst of the immediate crisis of the third wave.
However, Professor Paddy Mallon from St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin is urging caution.
Prof Mallon said: “We're still far from seeing the end of this third wave. We still have over 1,000 people in hospital, we still have over 175 in ICU, we've still got an awful lot of very sick people on the wards and in ICU.
“We're over the worst of the immediate crisis, but we've still got a long way to go.”
Living with Covid plan
Meanwhile, Cabinet is hoping to agree to a revised plan to reopen society and the economy by February 22nd.
The proposals would come into effect on March 5th at the earliest, and would be a revision to the existing Living with Covid-19 plan.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar also said he favours taking a “two-island approach” to quarantine measures arising from international travel, by coordinating with the UK Government.
Mr Varadkar told a press conference on Tuesday: “Nobody can predict what’s going to happen in this pandemic.
“We do hope to see reopening of our society and economy through the spring and summer.
“But it’s without question that there will be certain sectors, you know, aviation, tourism, entertainment, events, that may not open fully for a very long time.”
