A FURTHER 28 people have died after contracting coronavirus in Ireland, the Department of Health have confirmed.
Of the 28 people who have died, 15 women and 13 men, 19 were reported as having had underlying health conditions.
22 patients were being treated in the east of the country, two in the north west, two in the south and two in the west.
The Department of Health reports that the median age of those who have died is 84.
Their sad passing rings the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic of Ireland to 263, or 345 when combined with the north.
A further 500 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed as of 1pm April 9-- the largest daily rise in confirmed cases in the Republic since the pandemic began.
The newly confirmed cases brings Ireland's total to 6,574, or 8,021 when combined with the north.
A statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team have reported that Ireland's lockdown measures, and the public adhering to these measures. has greatly reduced the transmission of the virus-- from 33% in the early weeks of the outbreak to 9% this week.
However, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the HSE, warned that we should not get complacent at this critical point.
He said: "The virus is still sustaining itself in our community. If we do not stay at home and practice physical distancing then we are not stopping the spread.
“It is crucial that each one of us take seriously the risks this virus poses, follows the guidelines and limit the opportunity for this virus to spread.
“We must follow the public health advice as closely as we possibly can so that we can limit the spread of the virus.
"Stay at home, practice physical distancing, practice hand hygiene, protect each other."
