40 more cases of COVID-19 confirmed, the biggest single-day increase so far

Another big jump in cases of COVID-19.

For the second day in a row, Ireland has seen the biggest single-day increase of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in its hospitals. Officials from the Department of Health confirmed that 40 new cases have been confirmed as of Sunday evening (15 March). Today's update brings the total number of cases in the country 169. Additionally, there are a total of 45 cases in Northern Ireland, for an island-wide total of 214. The new cases remain skewed towards the east of the country, with 23 of the new cases presenting in males, and 17 in females. The latest jump in cases follows another major increase of 39 on Saturday. The death toll remains at 2. The latest figure update follows a directive by the government that all pubs (including hotel bars) should be closing their doors until at least 29 March, effective immediately. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan joined Minister for Health Simon Harris in condemning those who defied advice on social distance and mass gatherings by going to the pub. The same directive has dissuaded the public from having house parties.