Ten more young children in the Republic of Ireland have contracted the coronavirus, new figures show.
The recent rise has brought the number of infections in youngsters in the 0-4 age profile to 227.
The cases were recorded between last Thursday and Saturday, according to the latest report from the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
It states that no patient under the age of five has passed away or been admitted to an ICU due to Covid-19 since the outbreak began in Ireland back in February.
The report also shows that 14 more children aged between five and 14 tested positive for the virus during this period.
The total number of cases in that age bracket now stands at 395.
No one this young has died in the country after testing positive for the coronavirus.
However, two people under the age of 14 were admitted to a critical care facility after contracting the disease.
It comes as the vast majority of new cases in Ireland are being seen in people aged under 45.
Around 70% of Monday's 57 new infections were in patients younger than 45.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: “People in Ireland coming together to support one another against COVID-19 has been the cornerstone of the national effort to date.
"While people in Kildare, Laois and Offaly are being asked to reduce their movements and social interactions, and some businesses are being asked to curtail their services, it is important that we remember that everyone across the country has a role to play in minimising the spread of this disease in our communities."
