Ireland has recorded its first death from the coronavirus, an elderly woman in the east of the country.
The patient died in a hospital in the east of the country where she was being treated, having initially presented with respiratory problems before a diagnosis of Covid-19 was confirmed.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that updates would be provided by the department and the National Public Health Emergency Team at a daily briefing on Wednesday evening.
10 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening, bringing the total number of cases to 34.
Speaking on Prime Time on RTÉ on Tuesday night, Minister for Health Simon Harris flagged the likelihood of more restrictions being imposed on the public in Ireland in the near future, including the cancellation of public events and the possible closure of schools.
“I don’t want people to think that there won’t be a time where we’ll need more restrictions, we will,” Harris said.
“In all likelihood, there will be a time where we’ll have to cancel more events, there may be a time where we’ll have to close schools as well. We’ve already shown a willingness, whether it’s the St. Patrick’s Day parade or the rugby matches, to follow that public health advice and follow it to the letter.
“But it has to be about doing it in the right order, so people at home need to know that, as of now, we need you to take all of the measures you possibly can to keep well and keep your family well and particularly look out for vulnerable people in the community.”
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