TWO new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Ireland this evening.

A female in the east and a male in Cork both tested positive for Covid-19 today.

3 Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan Credit: PA:Press Association

3 Bon Secours Hospital in Cork have confirmed they are caring for a Covid-19 patient Credit: Google Maps

3 There are now 21 coronavirus patients in Ireland Credit: AP:Associated Press

Both are cases of community transmission, the National Public Health Emergency Team has said.

The male is currently in isolation in Bon Secours Hospital in Co Cork.

In a statement, Bon Secours said "contact precautions" have been in place since his arrival at the hospital.

PATIENT 'CARED FOR IN SINGLE ROOM'

They said: "Bon Secours Health System can confirm that a patient who has tested positive for Covid-19 is at Bon Secours Hospital Cork.

"The patient is being cared for in a single room and contact precautions have been in place since the patient’s arrival.

"To protect patient privacy, we will make no further comment on the case."

Visitor restrictions have been in place at the hospital since Friday. They have a one visitor per patient system with no children or visitors with flu-like symptoms allowed.

The hospital say elective surgeries will continue as normal except in a very small number of cases with effected patients being contacted.

All of the other Bon Secours hospitals across Ireland continue to operate as normal.

21 CASES IN IRELAND

There are now a total of 21 cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland currently has seven Covid-19 patients, bringing the island's total to 28.

The HSE is now "working rapidly to identify any contacts the new patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread".

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: “Ireland remains in containment phase with 21 cases to date, three of which are associated with community transmission.

“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.

“Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.

"The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice. Central to this are the protective measures we can all take against Covid-19, which include: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

"Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

"Practice cough and sneeze hygiene - covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.

"Stay informed: keep up to date on latest Covid-19 information on www.hse.ie.”

COVID-19 CABINET COMMITTEE TO MEET

Health Minister Simon Harris said a new Cabinet committee on Covid-19 will meet tomorrow.

He said: "Our work on Covid-19 is continuing. Today we have seen two more confirmed cases in the Republic bringing the total number of cases to 21.

"A huge amount of work is ongoing to prepare for what is a fast-evolving situation with the new virus the world is continuing to learn more about on a daily basis.

"Tomorrow the new Cabinet committee on Covid-19 chaired by the Taoiseach will meet and this is an opportunity to pull together all Government departments, state agencies, the head of the HSE, the Chief Medical Officer and others to hear the best possible information available in relation to this virus and also take decisions in to how we can be prepared as a country.

"But also I need your help too. We as individuals can all play our part in slowing down this virus and we can do this by following the simple information available online at hse.ie or indeed on posters displayed in many public buildings and businesses across the country.

"Please can we all do our bit at home, at our workplace and at our schools to support our public health service and our public health workers and the work they are doing."

'1.9 MILLION IRISH MAY CONTRACT CORONAVIRUS'

Earlier today, the HSE said it "cannot dispute" projections that 1.9 million people may contract Covid-19.

According to an article by Susan Mitchell in today's Business Post, health authorities predict that around 40 per cent of the population could become infected with Covid-19.

HSE Chief Executive Officer Paul Reid said the health authority "can't dispute" the article but that health authorites are working to complete the modelling scenario.

The Department of Foreign Affairs meanwhile are now advising the Irish public to not travel to Italian regions placed in quarantine.

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The Italian Government has quarantined 16 MILLION people in drastic measures to stop the deadly spread of coronavirus.

More than a quarter of the country's population has been put into lockdown, including cities Venice and Milan, with weddings and funerals banned.

The Irish Government has also advised against "non-essential travel" to the regions of Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Piedmont, and Le Marche.