THERE are now 90 cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland, with the majority of coronavirus sufferers in Ireland aged between 55 and 63.

20 new cases of the virus were confirmed in the Republic this evening, bringing the total to 119 on the island of Ireland.

Of the new cases identified today:

Six are associated with travel;

12 are associated with contacts of confirmed cases;

And the source of infection for two is unknown.

There are four new cases of healthcare workers being infected.

New figures released by the HSE show that no child under the age of four has been diagnosed with the virus.

The south of the country is the worst impacted so far by the growing number of cases.

Statistics compiled by the HSE show that as of 11am this morning, most of those infected are in the 55-63 age bracket.

The second highest incidences of cases is among the population aged between 34 and 44, followed by those aged 45-54 and 15-24.

Although the number of cases among the over 65s is relatively lower at this stage, those in this category are more of risk of complications.

Nine new cases of coronavirus were diagnosed in Northern Ireland this evening, bringing the total number to 29. Three of those resulted following community transmission.

Across the country, a number of events and gatherings are being cancelled following government advice yesterday.

Organisers for the VHI Women's Mini Marathon confirmed this evening that the event, scheduled to take place on Sunday May 31, will be postponed.

A spokesperson said: "We understand this is disappointing but it is in the best interest of the community.

"This decision has been taken in light of the growing threat presented by COVID-19.

"The event will be re-scheduled to Autumn. We will confirm the date in the coming days."

Earlier today, the government quashed rumours that it plans to announce a 'status red' emergency announced next week due to the coronavirus crisis.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe this afternoon said: "I want to be very clear that there are no such plans in place."

Rumours have been circulating on social media today that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be making such an announcement on Monday morning along with tougher lock-down measures, perhaps involving the Defence Forces.

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Mr Donohoe was asked about the online claims this afternoon.

He said: "The Taoiseach is making comments on this [the coronavirus outbreak] nearly every day, as are ministers, every day.

Mr Donohoe said he can't predict what will be happening on Monday.

However, he was strident in shooting down the rumours saying:

"I want to be very clear that there are no such plans in place.

“We will review every day what is happening and communicate everyday.

"There are no such plans in place for an announcement like that," he added.

The HSE confirmed today it is having discussions with hotels about using rooms for isolating people with the coronavirus if the numbers escalate.

HSE chief Paul Reid said it has already been approached by some hotels offering to accommodate patients.

These patients would need isolation until they clear the virus and would not be sick enough to be admitted to hospital where the most seriously ill would be treated.

He said the delay phase measures which are in place until the end of the month are now the main focus. Ireland has not reached the extreme emergency planning stage at this point and to discuss so is a distraction.

It has been estimated that around 10,000 beds would be need to cope the demand if the spread of the virus escalates to an extremely high level.

HSE official Dr Colm Henry estimated that the that cases of the virus could be cut by 30pc if measures such as identifying people positive with the virus, isolating them and ensuring people maintain social distance rules.

The plan is to set up more around 12 community testing centres where people would be referred to give a swab to see if they are positive.

Asked if people should stock up on food, Mr Reid said panic buying at this stage was dysfunctional and that is not “where we are.”

Meanwhile, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) have urged the public to avoid panic buying, or stockpiling medicine as they say there is no medicine shortage and pharmacies will remain open and well-stocked.

The union urged the public not to stockpile any medicine or purchase medication they do not need. One month’s supply of prescription medicines is the maximum quantity allowed by the HSE under the GMS or other Community Drug Schemes.

Individuals who require medication on a regular basis should ensure their prescriptions are up to date.

Patients or carers are asked, if possible, to phone the pharmacy in advance to request that their prescription be dispensed for a particular time and date so that the pharmacy can have it ready when they come in.

The IPU has advised people to check with elderly family members and neighbours to make sure they have their medicines and, if necessary, help them to contact the pharmacy if they need advice or information.

The IPU said that there are 1,900 community pharmacies in Ireland, all working at the frontline of the health service in the fight against Covid-19. The pharmacists "will continue to perform their vital role as a first point of contact for people within our health care system".

IPU Secretary General Darragh O’ Loughlin said: “We remain in close contact with public health officials and have reassured them that pharmacists and pharmacies are available to help and support the health service in any way we can, including the dissemination of information and advice to the public.”

He reiterated the warning that there is absolutely no need for the public to stockpile any medicines. “While pharmacies have experienced an understandable increase in demand in recent days, there are no supply shortages, stockpiling is completely unnecessary and, in fact, could itself trigger drug shortages,” he said.

The union did, however, warn that people who have been to an affected place in the last 14 days, or who have had contact with someone with coronavirus, or who are exhibiting fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend at a pharmacy or GP clinic.

Instead, they said, they should stay at home and phone their GP or local HSE helpline without delay - they can be contacted on 1850 24 1850 or 041 6850300 between Monday to Friday: 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday and between 10am and 5pm on weekends.

While Business Minister Heather Humphreys has warned panic-buyers "you're wasting your money".

She said the shops were restocked overnight after people cleared shelves of essential groceries and added that they'd be full again tomorrow.

Ms Humphreys also pointed out that Ireland produces enough food for 40 million people and appealed to people to "behave normally".

Her remarks came amid continued reports of panic buying due to the coronavirus outbreak and measures to delay its spread.

Ms Humphreys met with retailers this morning and she said: "they remain confident that we have sufficient supply to meet demand."

She said: "I want to be very clear. People do not need to stockpile. Supermarkets and shops will remain open. Stockpiling could cause problems, so please don't do it."

The Cavan-Monaghan TD warned that it would “negatively impact on others, including vulnerable people."

"There’s absolutely no need to do that. We produce enough food in this country for 40m people.

"So, we may be in an abnormal situation but we definitely have supply.

"Please, behave normally and shop, as you normally would do".

Ms Humphreys said preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit means Ireland has "never been in a stronger position" to deal with supply issues.

She said supermarket shelves "were full again this morning and they’ll be full again tomorrow morning."

Retailers told her: "There’s food in the depots and there are supplies and all the things that you need are in the different distribution centres."

She told stockpilers "you’re wasting your money."

Ms Humphreys said that it's not necessary for retailers to restrict sales of key items to a certain number per customer "because there is sufficient supply".

She said some shops may decide to do this but it would be their prerogative.

Online Editors