"Self-isolating is a vital measure in our efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 and it is essential that all those asked to self-isolate continue to do so.”

Two more deaths related to Covid-19 have occurred in Ireland, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has said. One of the deaths occurred in October while the HPSC said the other death is under investigation. The HPSC has also been notified of a further 362 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. 90 of the cases are in Dublin, 48 in Donegal, 34 in Limerick, 29 in Louth, 24 in Limerick and the remaining 137 cases are spread across 21 other counties. As of 2pm on Wednesday, 280 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 38 are in intensive care units. There have been 21 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “The profile of the disease is improving and, while this is a positive trend, it does not mean it is time to take a step back from our adherence to public health guidelines. "I urge everyone to redouble their efforts, try and have fewer close contacts this week than you did last week, continue to social distance and follow the other vitally important public health guidelines.” “I also want to thank those who have self-isolated after receiving a positive Covid-19 test result; or having been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case. Self-isolating is a vital measure in our efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 and it is essential that all those asked to self-isolate continue to do so.”