Two more people have died from coronavirus as 235 new cases were confirmed in Ireland tonight.
It brings the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country to 1,564.
Nine people have now died from the disease.
The announcement was made at a Department of Health media briefing in Dublin on Wednesday.
It comes after two further coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in Northern Ireland this afternoon.
NI Department of Health officials revealed that testing had confirmed 37 new positive cases, which brings the total number in the region to 209.
Seven people have now died from the killer bug in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile health officials in Ireland have confirmed that people will now have to display two major symptoms in order to be tested for the coronavirus, according to new rules.
Covid-19 patients must have a fever and either a cough or shortness of breath, or fall into a priority group, if they are to be tested.
The priority group relates to healthcare staff, vulnerable groups and contacts of a confirmed case.
People waiting to be tested who have not yet been swabbed and who do not yet have an appointment, will not now be tested and will be have to recontact their doctor, RTE reports.
The Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish College of GPs reportedly said they were seeking clarification from the health service regarding patients who have been given a test date, but who have not yet been tested.
These changes have been made following the application of new World Health Organization case definition and prioritisation criteria.
