The Health Minister's consistant live broadcasts on social media are helping to prevent rumours about Covid-19 from spreading, according to an analyst.
Simon Harris has broadcast live on Twitter and Instagram throughout the pandemic, while his following has nearly doubled in that timeframe.
Chief medical officer Tony Holohan has seen the biggest increase, with rise of over 70,000 followers in a month, according to data from Mulley Communications.
Director Damien Mulley says Minister Harris' online presence is helping to put people at ease.
"Studies have shown that when the SARS epidemic happened a couple of years back the lack of information from government sources in Asia started rumours and misinformation.
"So this is a very good way of lowering the anxiety of people and letting them know what's happening.
"I think the constant updates is ensuring that a vacuum isn't being filled by rumours and false information."
