Five new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.
It brings to 18 the number of confirmed case of the virus.
Two men and three women are among the five new cases.
Detailing the cases, the National Public Health Emergency Team said they involve:
- A male, in the east of Ireland, where the case is associated with travel from northern Italy.
- A female, in the west of Ireland, where the case is associated with close contact with a confirmed case.
- A female, in the south of Ireland, who is a healthcare worker. The case is associated with close contact with a confirmed case.
- A male, in the south of the country, where the case is associated with travel
- A female, in the south of the country, where the case is associated with travel from northern Italy.
The statement said that: "The HSE is working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread."
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "We ask that no organisation, school or health service provider acts unilaterally.
"We need to respond to the threat of COVID-19 in unison, following the advice of Public Health."
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, added: "The past number of weeks have been challenging for everyone in our healthcare system. This challenge is going escalate as the number of cases here rise.
"We must prioritise the protection of our frontline healthcare staff and as part of this the National Public Health Emergency Team has established a sub-group to identify and implement appropriate measures to protect them."
Seven coronavirus cases were confirmed by the HSE yesterday, including the first case of community transmission.
Another case of coronavirus has also been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
It brings to four the number of people affected in the region.
More to follow...
Useful information
- The HSE have developed an information pack on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Read it here
- Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days should isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room alone, with a phone; phone their GP, or emergency department - if this is not possible, phone 112 or 999 and in a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999
