Coronavirus: Fifteen cases (1%) of COVID-19 in Donegal as Irish death toll rises to 51

There have now been 2739 confirmed cases in Ireland - 2415 in the south and 324 in the north.

Fifty-one people have now died from the illness in Ireland - 36 in the south and 15 in the north.

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Thursday, March 26 (1,904 cases), reveals: 53% are male and 46% are female, with 91 clusters involving 351 cases.

The median age of confirmed cases is 46 years and 489 cases (26%) have been hospitalised.

Of those hospitalised, 67 cases have been admitted to ICU.

445 cases are associated with healthcare workers.

In Donegal there were 15 confirmed cases (1%), no change from Wednesday.

Dublin has the highest number of cases at 1070, (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 184 cases (10%)

Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 52%, close contact accounts for 23%, and travel abroad accounts for 25%.

All of the 14 new deaths reported between Friday and Saturday were located in the east of the country. The median age of today’s reported deaths is 81.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "Today, we have our highest recorded number of deaths so far. Our condolences are with the family and friends of all patients who have died as a result of COVID-19.

“We thank all citizens who have complied with restrictive measures, who continue to follow public health advice and remain concerned for those around them.

“We must remain focused in our shared efforts to prevent the spread of this infection, to prevent severe illness especially that which requires ICU admission and ultimately save lives.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:

"The Department of Health, HSE and our frontline workers will continue to take every action against COVID-19, but it is each and every one of us, individually, who has the power to reduce this threat.

"Stay at home, follow the advice and protect one another.”