BREAKING: No further deaths but 36 new cases of virus confirmed, Varadkar criticises Government’s ‘mixed messages’ on international travel

There have been no new coronavirus related deaths in the past 24 hours – but 36 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.

It means the overall death toll as a result of the virus remains at 1,753. There are now 25,802 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country.

The number of cases in Kilkenny remains at 156, or one percent of the overall total.

The latest cases were confirmed this evening as European Union leaders concluded the “historic” deal on a massive stimulus plan for coronavirus-hit economies.

The €750 billion deal was finally sealed after days of intense negotiations.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has hit out at the “mixed message” on international travel being issued by the Government.

Mr Varadkar spoke out ahead of the planned publication of the so-called “green list” of countries which will not require a 14-day quarantine later this week.

Ahead of a Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue tonight, Mr Varadkar’s spokesperson issued a statement to RTÉ which said: “The Tánaiste believes strongly that it’s wrong to send out mixed messages about international travel.

“The Tánaiste believes there should be a green list as was previously agreed by the Government but if the travel advice for countries on the green List isn’t different to advice for other countries, then we would be better off not having a green list.”

The Government is due to publish a limited list this week, naming a small group of countries with low levels of the virus from which travellers will not be required to quarantine for 14 days if they arrive in Ireland.