Ten more patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus) have died in the Republic, bringing the total number of deaths here to 19.

The 10 patients who died were seven males and three females. Nine were in the east of the country, while one was in the south.

According to the Department of Health, the average age of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who have died is 79 years. Some 68% have been male and 32% female.

Today also saw a further 255 new confirmed cases, bringing the total number of cases here to 1,819.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, three more deaths were announced, bringing the total number of deaths there to 10, while 32 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of cases of 241.

Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health has revealed that while 35% of people are worried about their own health, 77% are worried about the health of their family and friends.

The nationally representative online survey of 1,270 adults conducted today, and which is being conducted twice a week, also revealed that 81% of people are physically distancing when they are queueing for something, while 66% are coughing into their elbow.

Speaking about the latest figures, the department's chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said that "we are only at the beginning of the curve"."

"We need every citizen to heed the advice and measures put in place to protect all of us," he insisted.

The HSE's chief clinical officer, Dr Colm Henry, said that while the HSE is engaged in major preparations for COVID-19, "the more we as individuals take personal responsibility to interrupt the spread of the virus, the greater impact we can have on protecting our vulnerable people and saving lives".

COVID-19 is spread through close contact with an infected person's body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing), or by touching surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of the virus to show. These may include a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and fever (high temperature).

COVID-19 can also cause more severe illnesses, including pneumonia and severe breathing difficulties. Some 80% of cases will be mild to moderate, 14% will be more severe, while 6% will be critical.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, people should:
-Practice social distancing and avoid crowded places
-Wash their hands properly and often
-Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, or cough and sneeze into their elbow
-Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
-Stay at home if they are sick to avoid spread of whatever infection they have.

For more information on COVID-19, click here.