COVID-19 LATEST: Eight more die as 295 new cases of Coronavirus are confirmed

Eight more people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 295 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed tonight.

The latest fatalities brings to 54 the total number of people who have died from the virus. Six of the deaths are in the east of the county, one in the south and one in the west.

There are now a total of 2,910 patients across the country being treated for Covid-19, according to latest figures from the National Public Health Emergency Service Team

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has confirmed another person had died of the virus and that 123 more patients had contracted Covid-19 over the past 24 hours.

It brings to 22 the number of people who have died of the virus north of the border.

One private nursing home in Derry has confirmed that six residents have tested positive for Covid-19.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier confirmed that the Government has made a Public-Private partnership agreement which will see private hospitals being treated as public hospitals for the duration of the crisis.

Mr Varadkar said private hospitals have 1,000 rooms for solo occupancy that are ideal for those who need to be isolated.

They can provide 194 ventilators as well as the use of nine laboratories.

The Taoiseach said there are 194 private hospitals being used in the partnership. This includes 11,000 inpatient beds, 2,300 day beds, 47 ICU beds and 54 high dependency unit beds.

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins has urged the people of Ireland to “keep the faith, stay patient, and vigilant” as the country unites to combat the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement, the President praised people for the “solidarity” they have shown.

He added: “We are being asked to keep our distance from loved ones, from relatives, work colleagues, and from all those we meet on a daily basis and who give our lives meaning.

“For all of us, this is a difficult ask. For too many, it is extremely painful not to be able to be there for those who need them, and not to be able to share the grief of our families, neighbours and friends in these difficult times.”