#Covid-19: 17 further deaths and 331 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in the Republic of Ireland

17 further deaths and 331 new cases of coronavirus have  been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

The Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team released the latest figures on Saturday evening. There have now been 137 COVID-19 related deaths in the Republic of Ireland, while the total number of confirmed cases stands at 4,604. 15 of the patients who died were located in the east, one was in the south and one was in the west. 13 of them were reported to be having an underlying health condition.

The HSE is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

"This week, the National Public Health Emergency Team made a range of recommendations to support the response in nursing homes and long-term residential facilities to COVID-19. This remains a priority for our focused attention and we will continue to monitor the rate of infection within these environments and support the sector through this outbreak," Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said.

“The nationwide, collective effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 has been inspiring. We must keep up this effort, continue to protect the vulnerable in our society and ultimately flatten the curve.”