Officials have announced one further coronavirus-related death and 539 new cases.

It takes the death toll in Ireland to 4,667 and the national case total to 253,078.

This morning, there were 331 COVID-19 patients in hospital – a 7.8% decrease on this day last week.

The number of patients in intensive care has dropped by 13.5% in the past week to 70.

Of the cases announced this evening, 262 are in Dublin, with 32 in Kildare, 30 in Westmeath, 26 in Galway, 21 in Meath, 21 in Offaly and the reaming 147 spread across 20 other counties.

The 14-day coronavirus rate across Ireland. Image: Department of Health

The 14-day rate of the virus in Ireland now stands at 163.7 cases per 100,000 people.

Offaly still has by far the highest rate in Ireland at 455.4, with a total of seven counties reporting rates higher than 200.

The seven-day incidence now stands at 84.2, while the five-day moving average is 591.

Vaccine administration in Ireland. Image: Department of Health

As of Friday, a total of 786,569 vaccine does had been administered in Ireland.

Some 567,023 people had received their first dose while 219,546 people had received both doses.

Of the 125,886 tests carried out in the past seven days, some 3.4% came back positive.

This evening, the National Public Health Emergency Team is advising senior ministers on what restrictions it believes can be safely lifted in April.

A full Cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow before the Taoiseach addresses the nation tomorrow evening.