The Department of Health has issued a statement after it emerged two Irish citizens have tested positive for coronavirus.
Both of those infected with the disease were passengers trapped on the Diamond Princess luxury cruise ship.
They are currently being treated in strict isolation in a Japanese hospital.
It’s been confirmed 15 Irish people from two cruise liners have been caught up in the COVID-19 epidemic.
Neither of the citizens who tested positive currently reside here.
And now the Department of Health has issued a statement on the first reported Irish cases, insisting that the country is prepared for any outbreak of the disease.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation globally.
“While the overwhelming majority of cases to date have been reported in China, we continue to advance preparedness plans here in Ireland.
"We remain in a Containment Phase, and our actions are in line with guidance from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organisation.
“Hospitals have designated leads for Covid-19 preparedness and isolation response requirements have been identified and are in place in order to deal appropriately with any suspected cases."
Dr Sarah Doyle, HSE Consultant in Public Health Medicine said: “The HSE has plans in place to respond to cases of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
"If it’s possible that you have Covid-19 we want to know as soon as possible. This is so we can take the necessary public health measures to stop the virus from spreading in Ireland.
"If you have travelled from mainland China in the past 14 days and have shortness of breath, cough or fever, phone a doctor as soon as possible. If you have travelled from mainland China and have no symptoms contact HSE Live for advice.
"The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.”
The next National Public Health Emergency Team meeting will take place Tuesday, February 25.
