Health officials have announced five more coronavirus-related deaths and 19 new cases.

It takes the national death toll to 1,695 and the national total to 25,231.

The totals include the denotification of one previously announced death and three previously-confirmed cases.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the National Public Health Emergency Team (MPHET) would meet tomorrow to discuss the fight against the virus.

He said officials would review the latest WHO advice on face coverings and consider national communications around their use.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer DR Ronan Glynn said the country’s recovery rate was now at 92%.

“While it is very welcome that the vast majority of people who contracted COVID-19 have recovered from the acute phase of their illness, there are many who continue to experience longer term effects including fatigue and decreased exercise capacity,” he said.

“Avoid contracting this new and unpredictable disease by following public health advice – regular hand washing, physical distancing and cough/sneeze etiquette.”

 

It comes as the announced a new package worth €75m to help re-open the childcare sector post-COVID-19.

Creches and other facilities are set to re-open their doors from June 29th.

The plan will see the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme extended for the childcare sector – with providers also offered access to a range of grants to help them to work alongside the virus.

Meanwhile, the debate over the use of facemasks continues to rage.

On Lunchtime Live this afternoon, infectious disease specialist Professor Sam McConkey warned that people must be encouraged to wear face masks rather than forced.

On the Hard Shoulder however, Dr Jack Lambert said the masks are the most important tool we have to stop the spread of the virus and called for the m to be made mandatory.