The Taoiseach has said the situation on Covid-19 is evolving and there is still only one confirmed case in Ireland.

Speaking at Government Buildings after a Cabinet meeting, Leo Varadkar said there would be no panic but no complacency and the policy is still one of containment.

He said all actions will be proportionate and will be based on science.

Mr Varadkar said the Cabinet made three decisions today.

The first was to set up a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by himself.

There will also be a stakeholder forum to engage with people working in the area.

He said the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health will work together to identify resources needed.

The Taoiseach said that advice, actions and plans may change and there was a moderate to high risk of more cases.

Mr Varadkar said that there may come a point when Ireland has to move to a mitigation phase but that time had not arrived.

He insisted that no new public health legislation was needed.

Minister for Health Simon Harris briefed the Cabinet about new guidelines on mass gatherings, which are aimed at arresting the spread of Covid-19.

Read more:

WRC says workers who self-isolate may not be entitled to sick pay

HSE asks band of musicians to self-isolate after contact with Covid-19 patient

World in uncharted territory over coronavirus - WHO

Latest coronavirus stories

He said that a study of around 81,000 cases in China had found that 72,000 were mild illnesses. Mr Harris said the situation was happening in real time.

Ministers were also briefed on the flooding impacts of Storm Jorge.

It is the third Cabinet meeting since the General Election took place and ministers will remain in office until a new government is formed.