There have been 866 new confirmed cases of coronavirus announced this evening alongside six further deaths.

It takes the death toll in Ireland to 1,902 and the national total number of cases to 60,297.

The 14-day incidence of the virus in Ireland now stands at 292.1 per 100,000 people – with Cavan dealing with the highest rate at 753.5.

Meath is dealing with the second-highest rate at 561.9, while Westmeath is in third at 404.4.

The rate in Dublin stands at 253.5, while Tipperary now has the lowest rate in the country at 145.4.

As of 2pm today, there were 328 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals – the same number reported yesterday.

The number of people in intensive care has increased by two to 43.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “It is vitally important that if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that you self-isolate and phone your GP for further advice.”

“Self-isolate means stay in your room and avoid contact with other members of your household. Doing this will protect those you live with by interrupting the chain of transmission.”

“I again appeal to everyone to behave as though you are a close contact. Stay at home, other than for essential reasons.”

He noted that the COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit is available to people who can’t work in the short-term because they are ill or have been told to self-isolate.

Of the new cases announced this evening, 242 are in Dublin, 166 are in Cork, 56 are in Donegal, 54 are in Galway and 44 are in Meath.

The rest are spread across 20 other counties.

Of the 103,605 tests carried out in the past week, some 5.4% came back positive.