Donegal TD Thomas Pringle has been put in isolation over fears that he may have the coronavirus.
The Killybegs man confirmed that medics have given him strict instructions not to mix with others.
He said "Just started my first full day of isolation around 6pm yesterday.
"Not going crazy yet but it's early."
Deputy Pringle has been flooded with online message of support wishing him well.
The Independent TD impressed many when he staved off the threat of the main political parties to retain his seat during the recent general election.
In a message to his constituents from isolation, the popular Deputy Pringle said his office will still be open in the coming days.
It comes after 54 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Ireland last night, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 223.
Thirty of those infected are men, while 24 are women.
41 of the cases are associated with the east of the country, 11 are associated with the south and two are associated with the north and west.
The number of cases is expected to jump considerably this week as more testing begins.
As of this morning GP's can order COVID-19 tests electronically which is likely to see a big increase in the amount of people confirmed positive.
So far there have been two deaths from the disease.
