27 new cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in Ireland.
The new cases were confirmed to be:
- 22 cases associated with local transmission
- 2 associated with community transmission,
- 3 associated with travel
There are now a total of 6 patients in ICU - There were 3 cases announced yesterday with a further 3 cases confirmed to be in intensive care today.
These new cases bring the total number in the Republic of Ireland to 70, with a further 20 cases confirmed in Northern Ireland - a total of 90 cases on the island of Ireland.
The first death from the virus in Ireland was announced yesterday. A woman with underlying conditions passed away in the east of the country after contracting Covid 19.
This morning Leo Varadkar announced unprecedented measures to slow the spread of the virus by closing schools, universities, childcare facilities and cultural institutions from 6pm today until March 29th. He also strongly suggested that any indoor public gatherings over 100 and outdoor public gatherings over 500 should be cancelled. This has led to many sporting events, concerts, restaurants and bars to close or limit capacity.
Varadkar said today that there will be more cases and more people will get sick and “unfortunately we must face the tragic reality that some people will die”.
At the Department of Health press briefing this evening, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan said there is a “real possibility the disease is here in the community”.
He also added that closing schools from tomorrow is an important part of the strategy as information around how children may carry the virus without showing symptoms and passing it on to others is "still emerging”.
