LATEST: 67 more deaths from virus as concerns grow over rise in infections

A further 1,631 more people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

And there are now 503 patients being treated for the virus in hospital, a drop of 10 from yesterday.

Of these, 101 people are being treated in ICU, an increase of four.

The latest cases were confirmed as the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) erxpressed concern at the rising rate of infections.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan appealed to people to continue with the basic health measures such as handwashing, using masks, staying away from crowds, and using ventilation.

There has been a total of 5,436 deaths related to Covid-19 notified in Ireland. This includes 67 deaths newly notified in the last week.