Ireland is well ahead of the most expected scenarios for the decline in the numbers of COVID-19 cases meaning that the country is now in quite a respectable position to talk about their plans for May, June, July and the easing of restrictions,” as told by the Minister for Health on Sunday. Adding to that, he said that they are well ahead of the best-case scenario that were given to them four weeks ago for the cases of the virus and the rate at which the virus is reproduced has also remained below 1. This puts them in a positive position to talk about all their plans in the upcoming month with the easing of restrictions.

Speaking before the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on Sunday, he reported only one further death related to Covid-19, with only 269 recent cases of the virus.

This is the lowest number of cases that has been reported in a day since the December 14th, which also denotes a positive sign on continuation of declining cases which has increased the hopes about further easing of restrictions soon.

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals fell to its lowest level since October, with only 181 people being treated for the virus.

He also elaborated about the gradual steps that will be taken for lifting some restrictions, and if they controlled the infection rate of the virus, they will go on as fast as possible for lifting more.

Acting chief medical officer, Department of Health Dr Ronan Glynn in a statement on Sunday, said that they have already seen the wonderful impact of vaccination among our healthcare workers as well as in nursing homes. Huge number of declining incidences across all age groups in recent weeks cannot be credited in account of the vaccination, but it is rather a result of the enormous efforts of people across society to keep themselves and their families safe in their homes.