Less than five confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Mayo

There are less than five confirmed cases of coronavirus in Mayo

That’s according to official figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre tonight.

The centre was informed of 74 new cases of COVID-19 across Ireland today.

One in five cases are healthcare workers, with 37% of these cases associated with travel.

Dublin has the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Cork at 48, and Limerick at 14.

Kerry has six cases, while 15 counties, including  Mayo, have less than five.

There are now 366 confirmed cases in Ireland and, so far, there have been two deaths associated with COVID-19 in the country.

Analysis from the National Public Health Emergency Team of the 271 cases notified as at midnight Monday, March 16, show that 40% are male and 59% female, with 23 clusters.

Up to 42% cases are travel related, 22% are associated with community transmission, 17% are as a result of local transmission and 20% remain under investigation.

Two thirds of cases are younger than 55 years of age, with almost one in four cases aged 35 to 44.

Dr.Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said: "Again, today we are seeing another increase in case numbers.

"The importance of social distancing cannot be underestimated. Everyone must play their role.

"We need to continue maximising our efforts to interrupt new transmission chains and keep clusters under control.

“Reduce your social contacts to those in your closest family network. Practice social distancing. Stop shaking hands and hugging when you say hello."