Three more COVID-19 related deaths

A further three people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died, bringing the total number of deaths related to the virus up to 1,730.

There have also been 11 more confirmed cases. In total, there are now 25,414 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. In Westmeath, the number of confirmed cases remains at 672.

Speaking at this evening's briefing by health officials, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said:

"WHO analysis has shown the 7-day incidence of COVID-19 in Ireland to be among the lowest in the EU. And this is thanks to the collective efforts of everyone.

“However, we are witnessing new outbreaks across various countries as they ease restrictions and this reminds us of two things – the importance of adherence to public health guidelines as we ease restrictions here in Ireland and the importance of continuing to avoid all non-essential travel.”

Prof Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group (IEMAG), said:

"We continue to see extremely low levels of transmission of the virus within the population as a whole.

“However the increasing number of cases related to travel and in young adults is an emerging source of concern. It is essential that we all continue to wash our hands, practise good cough and sneeze hygiene and practise social distancing.”