A fourth person has died here from the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said today.
The patient, a man in the east, had an underlying health condition.
The HPSC has also been informed of 121 new confirmed cases as at 1:00pm today.
There are now 906 confirmed cases of in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health ProtectionSurveillance Centre has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with #COVID19 in Ireland has died. The patient is a male, in the east of the country, with an underlying health condition.— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) March 22, 2020
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said: "I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the patient who died today.
"Cases confirmed today were most likely exposed to COVID-19 prior to the introduction of the public health measures implemented on Friday, March 13th.
"It is vital that everyone complies with the public health advice on hand and cough hygiene, working from home where possible and practising social distancing of two metres.
"Public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are advising that confirmed cases are now reporting fewer contacts, which is an encouraging sign that people are following the public health guidance.
"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone adhering to public health advice. You are actively helping flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19."
He added: "Anyone waiting to be tested should act as though their test is positive and should self-isolate now, while they await testing and results."
