A FURTHER 23 people in Ireland have died after contracting coronavirus.
The Department of Health yesterday confirmed that a further 23 people have sadly died as of 5.30pm Tuesday, 5 May, bringing Ireland's total of coronavirus-related deaths to 1,339.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre have, however, announced the de-notification of three earlier reported deaths-- the figure of 1,339 reflects this.
The HSPC have also reported an additional 211 newly confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland, bringing the country's total to 21,938.
As always, the HSE is working rapidly to trace and close contacts the newly confirmed cases may have had, in order to advise them and further slow the spread of the virus.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) yesterday held a meeting in order to continue to review Ireland's response to Covid-19.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, at a speech on Friday, said that Ireland had successfully flattened the curve but confirmed lockdown measures would remain in place until at least 18 May before a phased reopening of the country began.
Lockdown measures to remain in place until 18 May - Leo VaradkarSpeaking at yesterday's press briefing, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, explained some of the reasoning behind Mr Varadkar's decision.
He said:
