158 PEOPLE have lost their lives to coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland.
The Department of Health yesterday confirmed that a further 21 people have died after contracting the disease, with a total of 390 newly confirmed cases.
Of those who have died, believed to be nine women and 12 men, 12 were reported as having underlying health conditions.
17 people passed away in the east of the country, two in the south and two in the west.
Their sad passing brings the total of coronavirus-related deaths to 158 since the virus was first reported at the end of February.
The newly confirmed 390 cases brings the Republic of Ireland's total to 4,994, or 6,083 when combined with the North.
56 people have died after contracting the virus in Northern Ireland.
In the Republic, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is continuing to work 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 Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer for the HSE, said yesterday:
"This past week has proven that the nation is working hard, together, by staying at home to flatten the curve."
He urged people to continue to abide by Government guidelines and to contact their GP if they begin to feel unwell.
"If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you need to self-isolate and phone your GP. I ask that everyone inform themselves on what to do in the instance they develop symptoms, as well as how to maintain their health and wellbeing."
Support and guidance is available on the HSE website.
