There have been another 15 coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic, as well as 92 new confirmed cases.
The latest figures from the Department of Health show a total of 1,533 patients have now died in the Republic.
A total of 24,048 cases have now been confirmed here since the outbreak began.
Today also marks the first time the number of new cases has fallen below 100 since March.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Today is the first time we have seen the number of confirmed cases fall below 100 since mid-March.
“While the past nine weeks have been particularly difficult for those cocooning, and for parents with young children, today’s numbers give reassurance that we have all learned and adopted new behaviours of handwashing, respiratory etiquette and social distance that will serve us well as we work together to re-open retail, business and society.”
Health Minister Simon Harris praised the public for their efforts in following public health advice over the past two months.
Today is the first day since mid March that we have seen fewer than 100 new cases of #Covid19 in Ireland. This is down to YOU, all your efforts & people adopting the public health advice. Let’s keep at it, finish the job & save move lives together. Thank you for all you are doing
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 16, 2020
Figures released earlier today showed 59 people were reported in ICUs across the country.
It's a drop from the highest point of 160 patients at the beginning of April.
Self-isolation rules
Separately, the Health Minister today said it will be up to the Attorney General to decide what sanction people face if they break self-isolation rules after entering the country.
It was confirmed yesterday that it will be mandatory for people to fill in a form detailing where they'll be self-isolating for two weeks due to COVID-19.
Earlier this month, it emerged more than a third of people didn't do it when arriving into Dublin Airport.
Simon Harris says there's been no decision made if people could face fines for breaking the rules.
He said: "Anecdotally, [we know] people are getting phone calls from the border management unit just checking in... but I do think it's important to put it on a legal footing.
"I think it sends out a very, very clear message to anybody thinking of going on holidays that you will have to self-isolate for two weeks when you come back."
