A SECOND person has been diagnosed with coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Health have confirmed.
In a statement yesterday, officials from the Department of Health confirmed that a female patient from the east of the country is currently receiving care for the virus after 397 people in Ireland were tested.
The diagnosis brings the number of confirmed cases in the Republic to two.
Officials have said that the woman is believed to have picked up the virus after having recently travelled to an affected area in Northern Italy, and she is not believed to have had any contact with the first confirmed case, a male in Dublin.
The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patient may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread, a spokesperson confirmed in a statement.
After the confirmation, the National Public Health Emergency Team held a meeting as part of a continuous assessment to Ireland's response and preparedness to the COVID-19 virus, and have released a list of recommendations for the public to follow in order to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Travel to Lombardy, Veneto, Emili-Romagna and Piedmont in Italy is discouraged except in cases where it is essential, and guidelines and suggestions on Mass Gatherings-- such as the upcoming St Patrick's Day celebrations-- will be published in the coming days.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health, said:
“Ireland has now confirmed a second case of Covid-19. While not unexpected we urge the general public to continue to take advice from HSE and Department of Health on how best to protect your health.
“Ireland remains in containment and unlike some other EU regions, has yet to experience any local transmission. The National Public Health Emergency Team continues to monitor the situation globally.
“The general public are urged to follow hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette and stay informed of the evolving situation through reputable sources such as HSE and Department of Health.”
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