The coronavirus outbreak has forced one of Dublin's busiest hospitals into lockdown and announce a BAN on visitors.
The Mater Hospital in the north inner city is requesting that the public do not visit the hospital "at this time".
It's understood that a number of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are being treated at the Eccles Street based facility.
They said in a statement released today: "The only visitors who will be allowed on campus are those who are visiting patients in critical care, vulnerable young adults, psychiatric patients or those whose loved ones are receiving end of life care.
"No children are permitted to visit the hospital under any circumstances.
"The visitor restrictions are being put in place for public and patient health reasons to minimise the possible spread of infections.
"The Mater has all infection control measures in place and every effort is being made to manage and control the spread of infection.
"All hospital appointments will proceed unless otherwise informed. If you wish to reschedule your appointment please notify the hospital.
"We thank the public for their cooperation at this time."
The Department of Health confirmed last night that the number of coronavirus cases in Ireland had risen to 13, with a further three patients confirmed in the North.
These are spread across the country with the majority of people having contracted the disease through contact with people who recently travelled home from northern Italy.
Numbers are expected to rise in the coming days, although the health chiefs are urging people not to panic.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: “Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission.
"This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.
“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some."
So far, these are where confirmed cases of the virus have been recorded here.
- Two cases have been confirmed in Dublin - one in Glasnevin, while the other linked to Trinity College.
- Four other cases have been confirmed in the east of the country but the exact locations are not being released.
- Two females in the west of the country have contracted the disease after traveling from northern Italy.
- A family of four in Co Clare are all confirmed to have Covid-19. One of these is a male doctor who worked a shift at University Hospital Limerick since returning home after not displaying any symptoms.
- The first community transmitted case was recorded at Cork University Hospital on Thursday. The hospital is now currently tracing where the man contracted the disease.
