Eight further coronavirus-related deaths have been announced alongside eight new confirmed cases.

It brings the death toll in the Republic to 1,703 with the total number of confirmed cases standing at 25,238.

Eight previously confirmed cases have since been denotified.

This evening, the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said the National Public Health Emergency Team was recommending a new national campaign to encourage people to wear face masks.

Health officials met to discuss the latest World Health Organisation advice on the matter this afternoon.

The new campaign will focus on best practice in shops, on public transport and where social distancing is difficult.

Health Minister Simon Harris at the official opening of a COVID-19 Assessment Hub at the Mater Hospital, 08-05-2020. Image: Julian Behal Photography

Earlier, the Health Minister Simon Harris admitted the official messaging on face coverings has been confusing in the last few weeks.

“Perhaps it has been confusing for people and perhaps it has not gotten through in the clear way it needs to,” he said.

“So, let’s be clear starting from today, very, very clear – face coverings are recommended, you should wear one on public transport.

“You should wear one in shops and other enclosed areas unless you have a medical reason not to or you are under the age of 13-years-old.”

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group at the daily COVID-19 briefing, 28-05-2020. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Modelling Advisory Group said the virus reproductive number has remained stable at between 0.4 and 0.8 over a number of weeks.

“The next two weeks are now critical in limiting transmission, keeping the r-number low and suppressing the virus,” he said.

“It is how we interact, as we go about our daily lives more freely, that will determine whether the r-number increases.”

Earlier, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the government hopes to speed up the roadmap for reopening in the coming weeks.

“As a country, we are optimistic but cautious,” he said. “We are hopeful while avoiding unnecessary risk.

“In the fine balancing act that our lives have become, we are getting things right more often than not.

“Our plan is working and we should stick to it. It all depends of course on us continuing to keep the virus under control and there is always the risk that it might make a comeback.”

Dr Holohan said there are currently 86 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ireland’s hospitals, with 28 in intensive care.

As of midnight on Tuesday, just over 32.1% (8,114) of Ireland’s confirmed cases were associated with healthcare workers and 57% were women.

Some 3,307 people had been hospitalised with the virus while 412 had been admitted to intensive care.