Dr Tony Holohan writes on status of Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland : 'We are in a strong position' Suppression and Vaccination - Significant developments in Ireland’s COVID-19 response Reporter: 6 Feb 2021 Aidel Aurel Casabar, Nurse A&E, was the first person in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise to be vaccinated against COVID-19 Vaccine on January 7 where she was vaccinated by Mary Gilligan. '); On January 30 th 2020, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Since that time, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on Ireland’s public health. The measures we have had to take individually and collectively to protect against further transmission have had a major impact on each one of us and on the wider social and economic functioning of the whole country.