There have been 444 new coronavirus cases announced this evening alongside eight further deaths.

It takes the death toll in Ireland to 1,930 and the total number of cases to 63,483.

Some 158 of the new cases are in Dublin, while 48 are in Cork, 28 are in Limerick and 174 are spread across 19 other counties.

The national 14-day virus rate has now dropped to 212.7 per 100,000 people – down from 228 yesterday.

Cavan has the highest rate in the country at 364.9, followed by Meath on 323, Donegal on 286.4 and Sligo on 283.8.

As of this afternoon, there were 310 patients in Irish hospitals – up from 296 yesterday.

There are 41 people in intensive care with the virus.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Every piece of public health advice we have given from the outset of this pandemic is designed to keep everyone protected from the impact of COVID-19.

“If you are a close contact of a confirmed case, you are asked to restrict your movements for 14 days and to attend for your two free COVID-19 tests, one on Day Zero and one on Day Seven.

“This is because, as an identified close contact, you have come into contact with the virus. It may take some time for this to become apparent or for you to become infectious.”

He said everyone that observes the full 14-day period is “helping to stop the spread of this dangerous disease.”

“In following this important guidance, you are helping to bring this virus right back down to where we all need it to be and playing your part in this national effort.”

Of the 88,547 coronavirus tests carried out in the past week, 4.6% have come back positive.