Ireland records its first Covid-19 death this afternoon
Ireland has recorded its first death from coronavirus.
The patient died earlier on Wednesday in a hospital in the east of the country, where they were being treated in recent days.
It is understood the patient initally presented with respiratory symptoms and was later diagnosed with the disease when staff decided to perform a test.
The criteria for testing patients has been broadened this week to include those patients who have clinical respiratory symptoms but no history of travel to affected areas internationally. This is in recognition that the disease may be ciculating in the community.
The patient is understood to be elderly.
The first Covid-19 cases was recorded in the Republic on February 29th and there are now a total of 34 confirmed cases. Two of these were acquired in the community and are being investigated.
A further update on this death, and the latest number of cases, will be given by the National Public Health Emergency Teams at its daily briefing this evening.
Earlier on Wednesday a leading World Health Organisation (WHO) official expressed concern about the attitude of young people to the coronavirus.
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