14 MORE people have died after contracting coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Health has confirmed.
The victims are seven men and seven women with a median age of 82, and with eight reported to have had underlying health conditions.
10 patients passed away in the east of the country, with the remaining four passing away in the south of the country, according to the Department of Health.
Their sad passing brings the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic of Ireland to 85, or 101 on the island of Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have also reported a further 212 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic, as of 1pm Wednesday 1 April.
This is down from 325 newly confirmed cases on Tuesday and 295 on Monday, raising hopes that the Government's strict measures on social distancing and isolation appears to be working.
The newly confirmed cases brings the Republic of Ireland's total number of confirmed cases to 3,447-- or 4,136 when combined with the North.
The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any close contacts the newly confirmed cases may have had, in order to advise them and slow the spread of the virus.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, said that the transmission of the virus is expected to drop further as the country undertakes a different approach to contact tracing.
He said:
“I can confirm that expanded contact tracing for all confirmed cases for the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms, as decided by National Public Health Emergency Team will commence this week. This will reduce transmission of the virus.”
Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE said:
"The public health messaging remains the same for all patients awaiting testing. Assume you have COVID19 and isolate. Each and everyone of you can break the chain of transmission of the virus, save lives and reduce illness among vulnerable groups.”
