Fourteen more people have died from the coronavirus as 294 new cases have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.
There have now been 36 Covid-19 related deaths in the Republic.
The median age of the new reported deaths is 81. All new deaths were in the east of the country.
There are now 2,415 confirmed cases of the bug in Ireland, with a further 324 patients in Northern Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Today, we have our highest recorded number of deaths so far. Our condolences are with the family and friends of all patients who have died as a result of COVID-19.
“We thank all citizens who have complied with restrictive measures, who continue to follow public health advice and remain concerned for those around them.
“We must remain focused in our shared efforts to prevent the spread of this infection, to prevent severe illness especially that which requires ICU admission and ultimately save lives.”
The HSE said it is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
According to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 26% of cases have been hospitalised.
This relates to the 1,904 notified cases which were recorded as of midnight on Thursday.
Of those hospitalised, 67 patients have been admitted to Intensive Care Units.
Out of the notified cases, 445 are associated with healthcare workers.
Dublin continues to have the highest number of cases with 1070 people contracting the coronavirus. The capital is followed by Cork with 184 cases - which represents 10% of all patients.
Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 52%, close contact accounts for 23% and travel abroad accounts for 25%.
Saturday’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Thursday, March 26 (1,904 cases), reveals:
- 53% are male and 46% are female, with 91 clusters involving 351 cases
- the median age of confirmed cases is 46 years
- 489 cases (26%) have been hospitalised
- Of those hospitalised, 67 cases have been admitted to ICU
- 445 cases are associated with healthcare workers
- Dublin has the highest number of cases at 1070, (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 184 cases (10%)
- Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 52%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 25%
It comes following Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed on Friday night that Ireland in on lockdown with all non-essential trips banned until Easter Sunday.
People be allowed leave their homes for travelling to essential work places, to shop for food or household goods, for healthcare appointments, and for vital family reasons.
The public will also be allowed out for brief exercise within 2km of their own home, as well as for farming purposes and food production.
Earlier on Saturday, it was announced two more people died from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland as the number of infected cases rose by 49 to 324.
The virus has now claimed the lives of 15 people in the North.
