Martin urges continued caution and maintaining restrictions in Ireland

Robert Besser
07 Mar 2021, 22:21 GMT+10

Ireland reached a milestone in the battle against Covid-19, as it inoculated its half a millionth citizen.
On Saturday, it was reported that there were only 99 patients in Ireland with Covid-19.
"Next week, we will begin to vaccinate those with underlying health conditions, as well as those over-70s."

DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland reached a milestone in the battle against Covid-19, as it was announced that half a million vaccinations have been administered throughout the country.

Ireland's leader, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, tweeted on Saturday afternoon that he had received confirmation by the nation's healthcare provider, the HSE, of having given the half millionth vaccination in Ireland.

"Next week, we will begin to vaccinate those with underlying health conditions, as well as continuing to vaccinate the over-70s and healthcare workers," Martin said.

Directing his words to those healthcare workers, Martin noted, "This brings hope, along with the continued fall in Covid numbers, thanks to the sacrifices you have been making."

A Dublin pensioner, Annie Lynch, was the first person in Ireland to be vaccinated 63 days ago.

Martin, however, also issued a warning, noting that variants of the virus should cause the public to not ease up on Covid restrictions.

On Saturday in Ireland, it was reported that there were only 99 patients with Covid-19, while the number of cases in hospital stood at 401.

"The 14-day incidence level fell below 200 this week, for the first time since Christmas," said Martin. "While our health services are still under pressure, the number of patients in our hospitals and ICUs is reducing significantly."

Meanwhile, Paul Reid, chief executive of the HSE, called the news of inoculating the half millionth person in Ireland, "a great sign".