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The Department of Education has issued a statement concerning possible school closures as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Speculation had been mounting that schools, pre-schools and higher education institutions could be forced to close due to the crisis.

However the Department of Education has insisted that there is currently no plan to shut down schools, Dublin Live reports.

They confirmed that any such decision will be made on public health advice.

(Image: PA)

A spokesman said: "The Department of Education and Skills is liaising closely with the Department of Health on a continuing basis.

"Any decision to close schools will be made on public health advice. There is no such advice at this point.

"It is essential that any decisions regarding responses to Covid-19 are proportionate, necessary and based on specific public health advice. No other response is appropriate.

"Public health professionals will contact schools if there is any action to be taken. Schools should not take unilateral action."

They continued: "Schools, pre-schools and higher education settings have been provided with advice and guidance in respect of Covid-19. There is up to date guidance for schools and parents on education.ie/covid19 .

"The Department is deeply conscious of the significance of decisions concerning school closures, and the potential impact any such decisions would have on parents, families and the wider community.

"This is an evolving situation and the health advice is being updated on a daily basis. The Department of Education and Skills and Department of Health will continue to work closely together on this issue."

It comes after a total of ten new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

It brings the total number of cases in the country to 34.

The announcement was made this evening at a Department of Health media briefing.

Five of the cases are associated with travel from one of the heavily affected areas.

(Image: PA)

Three of these are males in the south of the country.

One male and one female in the east of the country also tested positive, and both cases are associated with travel from an affected area.

Meanwhile three of the ten cases are associated with close contact with a confirmed case - a male and a female in the west and a female in the south.

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Two of the new cases are understood to be healthcare workers.

One of these is a male in the south associated with hospital transmission, while one female in the east is also possibly due to hospital transmission.

It comes after the number of people infected in Northern Ireland rose to 16 today, meaning there are now 50 confirmed cases on the island of Ireland.

(Image: Steve Reigate/Daily Express)

Speaking this evening, Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health said: “98% of all suspected cases in Ireland have tested negative. While Ireland remains in containment phase, there is no room for complacency.

“We all have a part to play in limiting and slowing the spread of this disease.”