The latest COVID-19 numbers come as the HSE release ‘stable’ pandemic metrics. The Department of Health reported an additional 474 confirmed cases of the viral infection on Thursday, bringing the new total number of cases to 248,326. There were also three additional deaths associated with the disease reported by the Health Department. The new death toll is 4,899. At Thursday’s HSE briefing on the coronavirus, Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry said the ‘figures are stable’ as the Government are set to announce plans to ease restrictions on Thursday evening. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins New metrics issued by the HSE show the dramatic difference in the severity of the virus from the height of the third wave in January to what it is now.