Five new Covid-19 deaths confirmed, 335 new cases

The latest figures have been released.

Five new Covid-19 deaths have been confirmed, as well as 335 new cases. There has now been a total of 1,945 Covid-related deaths in the Republic of Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as 64,855 confirmed cases. Of Saturday's cases, 72 are in Dublin, 41 are in Donegal, 26 are in Mayo, 25 are in Cork, 23 are in Kerry, and the remaining 148 cases are spread across 19 other counties. As of 2pm today, 284 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 40 are in the ICU. There have also been 23 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Speaking on Saturday, CMO Tony Holohan said: "The commitment to the spirit of the public health advice shown by people across Ireland since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic is to be commended. This includes wearing a face mask where social distancing is difficult, in shops and on public transport. “However, it is also vital that they are worn correctly and safely. Ensure you are fully covering both your mouth and nose with the face mask. "Remember, visors do not offer the same benefits as face masks. I want to particularly highlight that it is very important that those who work in settings such as retail avoid the use of visors and instead use face masks. "Face masks offer far better protection, and they should be worn by everyone who can wear them. Wearing one prevents someone who does not know they have Covid from spreading it to another person. "They are a key element of our defence against this virus, alongside staying at home and avoiding meeting people outside your household."