A fourth person has died here from the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said on Sunday.
The patient, a man in the east of the country, had an underlying health condition.
The HPSC has also been informed of 121 new confirmed cases as at 1:00pm on Sunday.
There are now 906 confirmed cases of in Ireland.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) says it is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
Data from HPSC, as of midnight on Friday March 20th, reveals:
- Of the 712 cases notified, 55% are men and 44% are women - with 35 clusters involving 190 cases
- The median age of confirmed cases is 44 years
- 211 cases (30%) have been hospitalised
- Of those hospitalised, 17 cases have been admitted to the ICU
- 159 cases (22%) are associated with healthcare workers
- Dublin has the highest number of cases at 402, (56% of all cases), followed by Cork with 101 cases (14%)
There is now at least one confirmed case in every county in Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said: "I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the patient who died today.
"Cases confirmed today were most likely exposed to COVID-19 prior to the introduction of the public health measures implemented on Friday, March 13th.
"It is vital that everyone complies with the public health advice on hand and cough hygiene, working from home where possible and practising social distancing of two metres.
"Public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are advising that confirmed cases are now reporting fewer contacts, which is an encouraging sign that people are following the public health guidance.
"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone adhering to public health advice. You are actively helping flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19."
He added: "Anyone waiting to be tested should act as though their test is positive and should self-isolate now, while they await testing and results."
In Northern Ireland, 20 new positive cases were confirmed on Sunday - bringing the total there to 128.
