As more and more cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus are diagnosed, Newstalk wants to keep you informed

We have broken down the cases by day, county, age and gender.

The most recent daily update showed seven more coronavirus-related deaths and 28 new confirmed cases in the Republic.

We also examine how it is spreading through the community.

COVID-19 can affect people's lungs and airways, and is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.

This means people could have the virus, but not be aware of it.

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are:

• A cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulties
• Fever (high temperature)

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.

You could get the virus if you:

• Come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing
• Touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on

It is not known how easily the virus spreads from person to person. Spread is most likely from those who have symptoms.

The virus may only survive a few hours if someone who has it coughs or sneezes on a surface.

Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces. Clean the surface first and then use a disinfectant.

Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults.

However, it can cause serious illness: about one in every five people who catch it need hospital care. according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

People who believe they may have these symptoms should not go to a hospital or GP.

They should phone a doctor if they have symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days should:

• Isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room alone with a phone
• Phone their GP, or emergency department
• In a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least three feet from people who are coughing or sneezing.