No need to cancel mass public gatherings - Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the Irish government isn't recommending the cancellation of mass public gatherings due to coronavirus "at this stage".

A total of 13 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic, while three have been identified in Northern Ireland.

On Friday evening, a fourth NI case was announced.

More than 60 staff at Cork University Hospital have been asked to self-isolate following a case of community transmission of coronavirus.

Speaking after a meeting with health officials, Leo Varadkar said: "We are not recommending at this stage that any major events be cancelled, but this of course will be kept under review."

More than 60 staff at Cork University Hospital have been asked to self isolate. Credit: UTV

Earlier on Friday, the Public Health Agency said 186 tests for coronavirus had been concluded in Northern Ireland.

In the Republic, the number more than doubled after seven new cases were confirmed on Thursday night, bringing the figure to 13.

Four of the latest cases are travel-related from northern Italy, involving four males from the east of the country.

Two are associated with close contact with a confirmed case and involve two females in the west of the Republic.

  • Coronavirus 'impacting on NI tourism industry':

The Health Service Executive's national director of acute operations, Liam Woods, says Cork University Hospital has introduced visitor restriction measures and curtailed some elective procedures and outpatient services.

Mr Woods said the Republic of Ireland remains in a containment stage and people will be brought to hospital if they are confirmed to have the disease.

"The contact tracing in Cork has been completed and our public health department has engaged in that so that work is done," he told RTÉ.

"The procedure is clear, so any person who is a contact is asked to voluntarily self-isolated and that has happened."

Meanwhile, a section of Trinity College Dublin's campus will be closed as a precautionary measure as a case of Covid-19 is connected with the campus.

An email sent to students and staff on Thursday night read: "We were informed of a positive case of Covid-19 (coronavirus) within Trinity College Dublin late on Thursday night. We are now working closely with the authorities to ensure that this individual receives the best care possible."

"The HSE will trace anyone who has been in contact with the infected individual to ensure they receive any necessary medical attention."

The Mater Hospital in Dublin has asked that the public do not visit the hospital.

In a statement, the hospital said: "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.

"All hospital appointments will proceed unless otherwise informed."