TWO HEALTHCARE workers at a hospital in Kilkenny have died in the space of 24 hours after contracting coronavirus.
They were members of staff at St Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny city.
It's understood that both workers, one male and one female, were middle-aged, and both had children.
They reportedly were working until becoming ill.
The woman, in her 50s, died in the hospital on Wednesday while the man, in his 40s, died in his home on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Ireland East Hospital Group expressed sympathies for the two staff members.
"I can sadly confirm that two healthcare workers from St Luke's General hospital Carlow/Kilkenny have passed away having tested positive for Covid-19," she said.
"We would like to give our sincere condolences to their families, friends and colleagues."
The news comes as Ireland's death toll rose to 444 on Wednesday, with 38 more individuals passing away due to complications related to coronavirus.
There have now been 12,574 confirmed cases of the disease in the country since the outbreak began.
Of those who have tested positive, around one in four are healthcare workers.
