69 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Ireland.
Out of the 69 new cases confirmed today, 29 of them are male while 40 are female.
The majority of the new cases (48) were detected in the east of the country. 13 of them are in the south, five are in north-west and three cases are in the west.
It's a new record increase for the fourth day in a row, bringing the total south of the border to 292.
The HSE is to meet with private hospital operators this week in the hope of using private beds to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. It's expected an agreement will be reached allowing the health service to use the facilities.
A recruitment drive for professional healthcare staff as well as support and admin staff was also announced by the HSE this afternoon.
