LATEST: Kilkenny among 362 new cases of virus as two further deaths confirmed

Two more people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 362 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.

It brings the overall death toll as a result of the virus to 1,965. There are now 66,247 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPTHET).

The breakdown of the latest cases is as follows: 90 are in Dublin, 48 in Donegal, 34 in Limerick, 29 in Louth, 24 in Limerick with the remaining 137 cases spread across 21 other counties, including seven more infections in Kilkenny.

The latest cases were confirmed as new research revealed that people who have recovered from Covid-19 are only immune to the virus for up to six months.

The study found that after infection, immunity is sustained for at least two months, and in some cases up to six months.

The study by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) said people who have recovered from the virus must continue to follow all public health advice, including hygiene and physical distancing,

HIQA conducted the review of the potential for reinfection following a Covid-19 infection at the request of NPHET.

Its study says reinfection cases are rare events. So far just 14 patients worldwide have been infected twice.

PHOTO: Stock image