First case of coronavirus in Ireland confirmed

A case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in the east of Ireland, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

The patient, a male, is currently receiving appropriate medical care, RTÈ News is reporting.

The centre said that the patient was identified and tested in line with established protocols for the investigation of suspect cases of Covid-19.

The case is associated with travel from an affected area in northern Italy, rather than contact with another confirmed case.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: "This is not unexpected. We have been preparing for this eventuality for many weeks now.

"Public health protocols have been in place since January and are operating effectively.

"The health service is well used to managing infectious diseases and has robust response measures in place."