Latest figures from the Department of Health show that another 21 people have died after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

There have now been 158 coronavirus related deaths in the State.

The department said 17 of those who died were in the east, two were in the south and two in the west.

It said 12 of the dead were men and 9 were women. Their median age was 81.

The National Public Health Emergency team said it had been informed of 390 new cases bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,994.

The figures released this evening relate to data from the HPSC as of midnight on Friday, 3 April.

It shows that 47% of the cases of Covid-19 are men and 53% are women, with 236 clusters involving 903 cases. The median age of confirmed cases is 48.

It shows 1,203 cases (27%) have been hospitalised and of those in hospital 165 people have been admitted to ICU.

The figures show that 26% (1,163 cases) are associated with healthcare workers and Dublin has the highest number of cases at 2,490 (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 343 cases (8%).

Where the transmission status is known; community transmission accounts for 63%, close contact accounts for 24%, travel abroad accounts for 13%.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "This past week has proven that the nation is working hard, together, by staying at home to flatten the curve.

"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 well-being. Support and guidance is available on gov.ie/health and HSE."

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In Northern Ireland, the number of people who have died after contracting the virus has risen by seven to 63, health officials said today.

Testing has resulted in 91 new positive cases in the North, bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 1,089.

Around 80% of cases of Covid-19 will be a mild to moderate illness, close to 14% have severe disease and around 6% are critical.