A further four cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Clare, bringing to 54 the total confirmed number across the county.
17 more people have died as a result of the coronavirus, according to figures released by the National Public Health Emergency Team this evening, meaning 137 people have lost their lives as a result of the virus.
Of the deaths announced today, 15 are located in the east of the country, one in the south and one here in the west; while 13 of the 15 patients had underlying health conditions.
As of lunchtime this afternoon, 331 new cases of COVID-19 have also been identified, bringing the total number in the Republic of Ireland to 4,604.
Of that number, 54 have been confirmed in Co. Clare, including the additional four added to the database today.
However, the county by county case profile is two days behind, meaning there may be more cases not yet added to the database in Clare.
Speaking this evening, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said: “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.
“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.”
