The HSE has reported that a further 25 people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland, bringing the total death toll here to 288.

There have also been 480 new cases of the virus.

Dr Tony Holohan says that the total number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland is now 7,054.

He said the range of ages of people who died in Ireland after a Covid-19 diagnosis is 32 to 105.

He also said that 62 people who have been admitted to Intensive Care have been discharged.

There are now 145 confirmed cases in Donegal

This evening's figures come as the European Centre for Disease Control showed Ireland has 12% more confirmed cases of Covid-19 than the official press release here said.

The ECDC day website is showing that 7,393 people in Ireland have tested positive for Covid-19 up to yesterday, Thursday, 10 April.

This compares with the total of 6,574 confirmed cases reported by the Department of Health through their press release yesterday.

The Taoiseach has announced that the Covid-19 restrictions will be extended for a further three weeks until Tuesday 5 May.

Leo Varadkar made the announcement this afternoon following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency team.

He thanked the Irish people for their forbearance and sacrifice, in the effort to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Varadkar said that because the vast majority of people have heeded the advice, the spread of the virus has been disrupted.

He said the spread has been slowed but it has not been stopped, adding that too many people had died and that "many more will die and many more will get sick before this is over".

The Taoiseach said "people are wondering when life will get back to normal. We are working toward that, planning carefully, so we get there safely. No one knows for certain when that will be, or how our lives will be different. All we can do is take one day at a time".