Breaking news - 7 new cases of the coronavirus in Ireland this evening bringing the number to 13
Seven new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Ireland today, bringing the total number of cases here to 13.
A further three cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
Of the new seven cases confirmed today, four involve males from the east of the country and are travel related from northern Italy.
Two others are associated with close contact with a confirmed case, two females in the west of the country.
The seventh case involves community transmission and involves a male in the south of the country. It is associated with Cork University Hospital and a risk assessment is under way.
All outpatient appointments have been cancelled in Cork University Hospital tomorrow, for infection control measures.
All patients will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
While not confirming any coronavirus issue, Cork University Hospital has apologised for any inconvenience it may cause to patients
In a statement the HSE has said it is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the confirmed patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: "Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission.
"This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.
"Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.
"However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.
A patient who is being treated at the Intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital has tested positive for the coronavirus.
It is believed the patient has an under lying medical condition.
I is understood at this stage that unlike the other six confirmed cases this individual had not been in northern Italy or any other infected region.
Next week's session of the European parliament will be moved from Strasbourg to Brussels due to "significantly higher health risks", the chamber's Speaker David Sassoli has announced, as France reported more cases of the new coronavirus.
"The situation related to the spread of the infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus Covid-19 has evolved over the last few days and hours. In particular, new infection clusters have been confirmed and case numbers are rising," Mr Sassoli said in a statement.
"The necessary security conditions are not in place for the usual transfer of the European Parliament to Strasbourg for the plenary session next week," he added.
The European parliament has chambers both in Strasbourg and Brussels.
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