The number of coronavirus cases in Ireland has been revised to over 8,000 after over 1,000 test results returned from Germany came back positive.
The National Public Health Emergency Team initially announced yesterday evening that 480 further cases of the deadly bug had been confirmed, bringing the total to 7,054.
This was later revised to 8,089 after 1,035 tests that had been sent to Germany in an effort to reduce a backlog in receiving results came back positive.
NPHET said around 14,000 samples have been returned from German labs.
It was announced yesterday that lockdown measures that were initially due to until Easter Sunday are to be extended until Tuesday, May 5.
Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the country is at a "critical point" in its response to the disease.
He said: "While measures to date have succeeded in reducing the spread, COVID-19 remains a risk to the people of Ireland.
"We know how difficult the measures in place can be on individuals, on families, on friends, so we don’t make these recommendations likely, but they are necessary at this time.
"We are once again asking you to stay home, stay apart, follow the guidelines and limit the spread of COVID-19."
A further 25 deaths from the virus were confirmed yesterday, bringing the death toll to 288.
The number of clusters of infection in nursing homes continues to be a concern.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said the body is working to support care homes during the crisis.
He said: "The rate of infection in nursing homes is higher than in the community, and within nursing homes there is a higher proportion of people infected.
"The HSE is working to support residential care facilities through advice on infection prevention and control, staff support and expert clinical advice.
"The ECDC has highlighted infection control measures to protect vulnerable populations in nursing homes, which Ireland is following."
