There are now 366 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the Republic of Ireland, with a further 68 cases in Northern Ireland.

According to the Department of Health, a further 74 cases were confirmed in the Republic on Wednesday - 45 males and 29 females. So far, two people have died as a result of the illness here.

Meanwhile, the department also released an analysis of the 271 cases notified to it as of midnight on March 16. These figures show that just three counties had yet to confirm a case - Laois, Leitrim and Monaghan.

A further 15 counties had fewer than five cases, including Donegal, Sligo, Meath and Wexford.

The highest number of cases was in Dublin (129), Cork (48), Limerick (14) and Galway (12).

Of the 271 cases, 84 had been hospitalised, while six had been admitted to intensive care. Two deaths had occurred, giving a fatality rate of 0.7%.

Some 22% of the 271 cases were healthcare workers.

An analysis of age groups revealed that one child younger than 12 months had the virus, while 15% of cases had occurred in people over the age of 65. The highest proportion of cases - 23% - had occurred in people aged between 35 and 44.

Some 42% of cases had been caused by travel abroad, 22% by community transmission and 17% by contact with a confirmed case. The remainder were still under investigation.

Responding to the increase in numbers reported on Wednesday night, the department's chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, reminded people that "the importance of social distancing cannot be underestimated".

"Everyone must play their role. We need to continue maximising our efforts to interrupt new transmission chains and keep clusters under control. Reduce your social contacts to those in your closest family network. Practice social distancing. Stop shaking hands and hugging when you say hello," he said.

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.