There are more than 7,000 cases in Italy just weeks after it was first reported in the country.

Minister for Health Simon Harris has said there's a moderate to high risk the coronavirus outbreak in Ireland will follow a similar pattern to outbreaks in other countries like Italy, Germany and France. Harris spoke on Morning Ireland on Monday, where he reinforced the severity of the coronavirus and warned that any decisions made will be made on public health grounds rather than political ones. “Ireland is at an early stage of progression here compared to other European countries,” Harris said. “There is a moderate to high risk we will follow a pattern seen in other EU countries and that's what we're preparing for and what we're working around the clock for." Speaking earlier on Morning Ireland, Professor James McInerney, an Irish-born expert in molecular evolution, said "there is no reason to think that Ireland and Italy are so different". McInerney said he believes Covid-19 will hit its peak in June and July but said it could circulate for more than a year. A special cabinet Covid-19 committee is set to meet today to discuss a number of issues including measures on working from home and sick pay for workers. Harris also said he expects there to be clarity on St Patrick's Day festivities shortly. "Our public health experts are considering the issue of St Patrick's Day as we speak and I expect clarity to be brought to that in the next 24 to 48 hours," Harris said. "Whatever our public experts guide us on in terms of St Patricks Day is what the government will go with."