Coronavirus Ireland: Decision on easing or extending restrictions to be made next week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says

A decision on whether Covid-19 restrictions will be eased or extended will be made next week, Leo Varadkar has said.

The Taoiseach was speaking at a Government briefing this evening after the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland rose to 3,849.

There have now been 98 deaths related to the virus in the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking this evening, Mr Varadkar said: “We will be able to make a decision towards the end of next week to see if we need to extend the restrictions, lessen them or how we respond - we will need to see the numbers this time next week.

“The surge has not come yet, it is only starting.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking to media in the Conference Centre at Citywest Hotel, Dublin as preparations get under way for a Covid-19 isolation and step down facility (Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland/PA Wire)

Meanwhile, A total of 148 coronavirus patients have been admitted to Intensive Care Units across Ireland during the outbreak.

Dr Tony Holohan provided more detail on figures provided by the Department of Health tonight.

Of those admitted to ICU, 14 have tragically passed away.

25 people have recovered from the virus and were discharged.

And 109 people are currently in intensive care battling Covid-19.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health during a media update on Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland at the Department of Health, Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street, Dublin (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

The figures are correct as of 1pm today, Thursday April 2.

Some data was also released today about ICU cases as of midnight on Tuesday 31 March. These figures relate to 3,282 cases confirmed by then.

As of that time, 134 cases had been admitted to ICU.

Speaking at a media briefing this evening, Dr Holohan, who is the Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said: “We have a more detailed ICU report available this evening.

"Of 148 cases admitted to ICU, 25 of those cases have been discharged, sadly there have been 14 deaths from ICU and 109 remain in ICU.

"The median age of ICU admission is 62.

“I would also like to highlight a worrying scene I witnessed during my visit to hospital on Tuesday evening; empty waiting rooms and empty beds.

"While protecting yourself from COVID-19 is a priority, no one should ignore signs that they may need medical attention for other ailments such as lumps, chest pain or other concerns.

"Please do not ignore any symptom outside of COVID-19. The hospitals are there for all ailments, not just COVID-19.”