The First case of Covid-19 diagnosed in the East of Ireland

The first case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

The male patient is in the east of the country and is currently receiving "appropriate medical care".

Anyone that has been in contact with the patient has already have been informed.

The case is associated with travel from an affected area in northern Italy.

Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, Dr Tony Holohan said: “This is not unexpected. We have been preparing for this eventuality for many weeks now.

“Public health protocols have been in place since January and are operating effectively.