A 23-year-old nurse from Dublin who is being treated for Covid-19 is urging people to maintain social distancing and follow the advice to stay at home.
Emma Biggar, who has a pre-existing medical condition, was admitted to St Vincent's University Hospital in the capital last week.
She had experienced a fever spike, sore throat and could not keep food or fluids down.
In a video clip recorded from her hospital bed for RTÉ News, Emma said: "I never in a million years thought I would be sending something like this, explaining my story.
"You just don't know when it's going to be a friend, a family member or a neighbour that contracts this virus.
"Please just read up on the guidelines and do what you're told.
"I know Easter weekend is coming up and most of you will want to see family members and friends, but please just stick to your household.
"Go for a walk with that one household member, not for too long and not close to others. Cross the road if you have to.
"Please, this is not going to last forever and keeping to the guidelines is going to save lives."
Emma, who works as a nurse at Guy's Hospital in London, returned to Dublin on annual leave last month.
She praised staff at St Vincent's for "looking after me so well and trying to keep me comfortable at all times".
"I am one of the lucky ones who seem to be doing well so far. I hope I'm going in the right direction now," she added.
