Nine new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.
It brings the total number of cases in the country to 43.
The Department of Health made the announcement at a media briefing in Dublin this evening.
None of the new cases are associated with community transmission.
Four are males from the south of the country, all associated with travel.
One is a female in the south, associated with contact with a confirmed case.
One is a male in the south, also associated with contact with a confirmed case.
While three are males in the east of the country, two associated with travel, one associated with contact with a confirmed case.
It comes after the first COVID-19 death in Ireland was confirmed earlier on Wednesday.
A patient who was diagnosed with the bug sadly passed away at a hospital in the east of the country.
It is understood that the patient was an elderly woman with underlying health issues, and was being treated in hospital in recent days.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said: "I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this patient.
"I urge the media and the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
"We continue our efforts to interrupt the transmission of this virus. It will take all of us, collectively to succeed. Please continue to follow public health advice."
Earlier today the head of the Irish HSE said the Republic of Ireland is entering "a new phase" of coronavirus.
In a tweet, Paul Reid said: "We are entering a new phase in #Covid19. I fully support our hospitals who have to make decisions on restricting visitors based on clinical risk, patient and public safety.
"Please do as we urge and our ask will increase as we progress."
Mr Reid did not elaborate further on the tweet.
