Breaking news - 6 new cases of the coronavirus on the Island of Ireland this evening bringing the number to 22
Five more people have been diagnosed with coronavirus here, the Department of Health has said at a briefing this evening.
The confirmations bring the number of cases confirmed in the Republic of Ireland to 18
A further four cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, meaning the total number of confirmed cases on the island of Ireland is 22.
Testing of patients in Northern Ireland has resulted in one new presumptive positive result for coronavirus (Covid-19) bringing the total to four since testing began, the UK Department of Health has said.
The individual is an adult who had recently travelled from Italy and is linked to a previously confirmed positive case.
Strict visitor restrictions have been introduced with immediate effect across the South/ South West Hospital Group due to Infection Control concerns.
The hospitals where these restrictions have been implemented are as follows:
- Cork University Hospital
- Cork University Maternity Hospital
- University Hospital Kerry
- University Hospital Waterford
- South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital
- Mercy University Hospital
- Bantry General Hospital
- Mallow General Hospital
The Chief Clinical Officer with the Health Service Executive has said there is no suggestion that the person diagnosed with Covid-19 at Cork University Hospital contracted the virus in CUH.
Speaking on RTÉ's Six One Dr Colm Henry said that while this case "is a case of concern" it will be investigated "with the same rigour as all of the other cases."
He said anyone deemed to have been in close contact with this patient will go into voluntary self-isolation.
Dr Henry said that there "is no need of people who have visited CUH to do anything."
the Government will issue a separate set of guideline for those organizing mass events involving groups of more than 5,000 people and those with groups of less than that amount.
The Taoiseach said this afternoon that the Government will not be ordering the cancellation of any events at this stage, including St Patrick's Day Parade.
It is not expected that any specific reference to the St Patrick's Day will be included in the guidelines that will published.
However, the guidelines are likely to make it clear to event organisers that they have additional responsibilities if they run events due to coronavirus crisis including issues related to hand sanitation and public safety and that they must also consider what they might need to do if an attendee at one of their events tests positive for the coronavirus.
In such a situation the health authorities would need to be able to trace close contacts.
In order to do so, it may be necessary for event organisers to supply contact details for those who attended.
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