A coronavirus outbreak has been recorded in a 31-bed ward in Naas General Hospital in Co Kildare, it has emerged.
It is reported that contact tracing efforts are now under way following the outbreak which was confirmed at around 4.30pm on Monday.
Consultant microbiologist Dr Sarah Bergin sent an email to hospital managers saying staff who have had "significant exposure" to patients on the ward must be traced, the Irish Times reports.
It is also reported that a member of the cleaning staff who recently tested positive for Covid-19 may be the source of the outbreak.
According to the HSE's official daily hospital report, Naas was treating no confirmed cases but had eight suspected virus patients on site at 8pm on Monday.
Dr Bergin reportedly added that the hospital must make a list of staff based on the ward and others who interacted with patients where appropriate PPE was not used since August 3.
It's understood the email was sent to medical staff in the hospital on Monday evening.
Kildare has seen the worst spike of cases in Ireland in recent weeks is one of three counties - along with Laois and Offaly - who have had lockdown restrictions reintroduced.
