There are currently 335 outbreaks of COVID-19 in long-term residential care centres, almost 200 of which are in nursing homes, the HSE has confirmed.

Speaking at a briefing on Friday afternoon, the HSE's chief operating officer, Anne O'Connor, explained that an outbreak refers to when there is at least one confirmed case, and this could involve a resident or a staff member.

She said that 196 outbreaks have been recorded in nursing homes and there had been a significant increase in such outbreaks in early April. In the last week, outbreaks have remained "relatively high" in nursing homes.

Ms O'Connor said that these outbreaks had predominantly occurred in the east of the country, specifically Dublin, and as a result, "Dublin is a key focus" for the HSE.

She said that a number of steps are being taken to tackle these outbreaks, including the continued deployment of staff to long-term residential centres and an enhancement of the testing available to both residents and staff on site.

Meanwhile, the HSE has also confirmed that 11 people have died at one care home for older people, St Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park, since April 2.

Ten of these people had tested positive for COVID-19, while the 11th person was a suspected case and confirmation is awaited.

The HSE offered its condolences to the families and friends of those who have died and said that it "remains in contact with relatives and next-of-kin of all residents within St Mary's Hospital in relation to any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19".

It added that St Mary's is led by full-time consultant geriatricians and there is medical and nursing management on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.