LATEST: One person dies and 190 new cases confirmed as Government unveils tough new measures to combat spread of virus

One more person has died after contracting the coronavirus as 190 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.

The overall death toll as a result of the virus now stands at 1,775. There are now 27,499 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Kilkenny was among the counties that recorded new infections, the Department of Health said.

The latest cases were confirmed as the Government announced a series of tough new measures to combat the spread of the virus following a three-hour Cabinet meeting today.

Under the new measures, gardaí will be given new powers to enforce rules around social gatherings, particularly in restaurants or bars serving food, and in private homes.

People will be advised to work from home and to avoid using public transport unless absolutely necessary.

All outdoor events will be limited to just 15 people, reduced from 200.

Under the restrictions, that will remain in place until September 13 at the earliest, indoor events will be limited to just six people – reduced from 50 – except for businesses such as shops and restaurants that are subject to separate rules.

However weddings are exempted from the new restrictions, meaning they can go ahead with a maximum of 50 people.

The measures signed off by the Cabinet means matches and other sporting fixtures will now have to take place behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, it also emerged today that four workers at a Glanbia dairy processing plant in Kildare have tested positive for Covid-19.

It is understood one member of staff at the factory in Ballitore tested positive on Friday. Since then three more employees have also been found to have the virus.