Number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland increases to 43

THE Department of Health has confirmed nine more cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland.

This brings the total number of cases to 43, up from 34 yesterday.

The first Irish death from the virus was also confirmed earlier today when an elderly woman passed away in hospital in the east of the country.

Of the new cases, four are male from the south of the country and associated with recent travel.

One female from the south of the country is also affected, having had contact with a recent confirmed case of Covid-19.

Another male from the south of Ireland has also been diagnosed after having recent contact with a confirmed case.

Three males from the east of the country are also affected – two of those associated with travel and a third associated with contact with a recent case.

The total number of cases on the island of Ireland now stands at 61.