There has been a rise in the number of people hospitalised with the coronavirus, latest figures have revealed.
While the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospitals is slightly down, a jump of 92 overall cases was recorded in the last 24 hours.
This is down to a big increase in suspected cases being treated in hospitals.
The latest HSE figures show a total of 422 confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus in Irish hospitals by 8pm on Tuesday - 257 of which were suspected.
University Hospital Limerick recorded a substantial jump of 58 suspected cases in 24 hours.
This is compared to just 18 suspected cases recorded the night before in the same hosptial.
Thankfully, the number of patients in Critical Care Units remains steady at 36, with a further 19 suspected cases in ICU.
And 117 ICU beds remain available as of 8pm on Tuesday.
The figures come as a further eight people were confirmed to have died due to Covid-19 last night.
However, the country saw just 10 new cases confirmed marking the lowest increase in Covid-19 cases here since March 10, when 10 new cases were also announced.
The total number back then was just 34. Now it is 25,066.
The figures come as Ireland prepares to enter Phase Two of the government's roadmap to take the country out of lockdown.
As of Monday June 7 people will now be able to visit eachothers houses in small groups while practicing social distancing.
The current travel limit of 5km will be extended to 20km
Shops will provide dedicated hours for those who are cocooning (people over the age of 70 and those who are medically vulnerable) with strict social distancing and gloves made available.
Those who are cocooning can also have a small number of visitors to their home but visitors must wear gloves, face coverings and keep at least 2 metres away from the person who is cocooning.
