40 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland in the past 24 hours.
23 men and 17 women were confirmed to have the virus in the last 24 hours.
25 cases in the east of the country, 9 are in the west and 6 are located in the south.
This brings the total number of cases in Ireland to 169, up from 129 yesterday.
Today there were also an extra 11 cases confirmed in Northern Ireland, bring the total there to 45. There are now 214 total cases on the island of Ireland.
The number of deaths from Coronavirus in Ireland remains at 2.
The news comes just as the government asked all pubs and hotel bars to close until March 29th to prevent large gatherings. The public are also being asked to avoid house parties and other social gatherings.
Speaking about the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Chief Medical Officer of The Department of Health, Dr. Tony Holohan said, “In regard to upcoming St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Government is calling on all members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private house or other venues which would put other peoples lives at risk.
“Everyone is asked to reduce their social contact over this time period. House parties/ COVID parties carry the same risks as being in a pub/club.
"Therefore people should not organise or attend them. The virus is now in our community, it is up to us to limit its spread.
“Now is the time for action and to heed the public health advise we will continue to provide.”
In another update, Irish people holidaying in Spain have been given until Thursday to get back to Ireland. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney says there's an "orderly plan" involving Aer Lingus and Ryanair to evacuate them.
