ONE FURTHER PERSON with Covid-19 has died in Ireland today, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

There have also been an additional 17 cases reported to health officials in Ireland today.

This brings to 25,819 the total number of cases here, along with 1,754 deaths related to Covid-19.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, the acting Chief Medical Officer, said in a statement: “I appreciate how difficult it is for people to limit their social activities and to physically distance from friends and loved ones.”

Glynn said these actions are “vital” to the effort in suppressing the disease and working towards reopening schools and healthcare services. 

He added that these actions “protect our healthcare workers who have been at the frontline of this pandemic over the past six months.”

Earlier today, the Mater Hospital confirmed that a doctor who worked at the hospital has died following a battle with Covid-19.

In a statement, the hospital said that Dr Syed Waqqar Ali passed away after spending three months in ICU.

Speaking to RTÉ radio, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said health workers have told him the best way the public can keep them safe is to wear face coverings and abide by public health advice.

“The single most important thing we can do to honour their sacrifices is to do our little bit to try and keep them safe,” Donnelly said.