The Department of Health has confirmed that there are five new cases of coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland.
There has also been a fourth confirmed case in the North - bringing the total on the island of Ireland to 22.
The HSE's Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said three women and two men were newly diagnosed today.
He said officials are able to explain the transmission of all but one of the 18 cases diagnosed in the Republic.
Visiting restrictions at hospitals and nursing homes
Visiting restrictions are being put in place at 22 hospitals and hundreds of nursing homes around the country amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
Nursing Homes Ireland - which represents around 80% of private and voluntary nursing homes in the country - says there will be no non-essential visiting due to the "unprecedented challenges" posed by COVID-19.
Children or groups will not be allowed visit homes.
People are being advised to only visit residents in urgent circumstances, and they are being asked to contact the home before attending.
March against FF/FG Government planned for this weekend
A march against the prospect of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael forming the next government is being planned this weekend.
The march in Dublin city centre on Saturday afternoon is being organised by Solidarity-People Before Profit, who are urging people to back their call for change.
Government formation talks are ongoing between a variety of different parties, and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin yesterday indicated he would be willing to go into a coalition with Fine Gael.
Sinn Féin, meanwhile, is continuing its efforts to form a left-wing government.
AIB is planning to cut 1,500 jobs over the next three years.
However, the bank's CEO told Newstalk he has "no intention" to close more branches as part of their cost-cutting measures.
The bank has this morning released its annual financial results.
The bank's pre-tax profit fell by 60%, largely as a result of costs incurred over the tracker mortgage scandal.
Console co-founder to face trial
One of the founders of the suicide prevention charity Console has been charged with money laundering and two counts of fraudulent trading.
Patricia Kelly, with an address in Kildare, appeared before the Dublin District Court this morning.
Ms Kelly set up the charity with her late husband Paul. He was found dead at their home in Clane last month.
The charity was shut down in 2016.
