Coronavirus: ‘No room for complacency’ as number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ireland rises to 50

The total number of coronavirus cases in the north has now risen to 16 with a further 34 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the south.

Around 2,000 people on both sides of the border have been tested so far, with the vast majority testing negative for Covid-19.

The Department of Health in the north said all four cases new cases were adults. One case involved recent travel from Northern Italy. Three of the cases can be traced to a previously reported case that involved recent travel to Northern Italy.

The Public Health Agency is currently undertaking contact tracing for all four cases.

The Department of Health in the Republic meanwhile has provided a more detailed breakdown of the latest cases.

They are as follows:

1 male healthcare worker, in the south of the country, associated with hospital transmission

1 female healthcare worker, in the east of the country, associated with possible hospital transmission

3 males in the south of the country, associated with travel from an affected area

1 male in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case

1 female in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case

1 female in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case

1 male in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area

1 female in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area

The HSE in the Republic is now “working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread,” the Department stated.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “98% of all suspected cases in Ireland have tested negative. While Ireland remains in containment phase, there is no room for complacency.

“We all have a part to play in limiting and slowing the spread of this disease.”