Number of COVID-19 cases in Westmeath tops 100

There are now in excess of 100 COVID-19 cases in Westmeath.

Latest figures, up to midnight on Saturday show there were 107 cases in Westmeath, up from 94 the previous day. There were 18 cases in Roscommon on midnight Saturday.

The figures were released at the nightly briefing today, at which it was also announced that a further 16 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died.

Eleven of the deaths were in the east, four in the north west and one in the west.

The patients included 6 females and 10 males.

There have now been 174 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

The HSE said it had also been informed of 370 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1pm today. There are now 5,364 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer HSE, said; “Our Healthcare system has been preparing for a surge in COVID-19 cases but it is important to remind people that our hospitals continue to carry out all emergency and essential activity.”