The chief medical officer urged everyone to play their part in slowing the spread of the virus, especially through hand washing

Ten new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Ireland last night, the country’s biggest daily increase, as education officials dismissed claims that it was preparing to shut schools nationwide.

There were five new cases involving travel from an affected area, three of community transmission and two in which the virus may have spread in hospital.

The HSE said it was working rapidly to identify who the patients had been in contact with. In total 1,784 people have been tested in Ireland, with 34 returning positive for coronavirus.

Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, said: “Ninety-eight per cent 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