IRELAND's first coronavirus case has been confirmed.

The man, who is being treated in the east of the country, had returned from Northern Italy.

3 A man is being treated for Covid-19 in the east of the country Credit: EPA

3 Minister for Health Simon Harris holds Covid-19 information leaflet Credit: PA:Press Association

The patient flew into Dublin Airport in the last few weeks.

A statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team reads: "The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of a confirmed case of Covid-19 (coronavirus) in Ireland.

"The patient, a male in the eastern part of the country, is currently receiving appropriate medical care.

"The patient was identified and tested in line with established protocols for the investigation of suspect cases of Covid-19.

"The case is associated with travel from an affected area in Northern Italy, rather than contact with another confirmed case."

'NOT UNEXPECTED'

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: “This is not unexpected.

"We have been preparing for this eventuality for many weeks now.

“Public health protocols have been in place since January and are operating effectively.

“The health service is well used to managing infectious diseases and has robust response measures in place.”

'WORKING RAPIDLY'

Efforts are being made to get in touch with anyone who has been in contact with the man.

Dr. John Cuddihy, Director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, added: "The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patient may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

“It is important to note that the risk of transmission through casual contact is low."

'CONTAINMENT PHASE'

Dr Cillian De Gascun, Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said Ireland remains in the "containment phase".

He told RTE News: "We remain in the containment phase.

"This is the type of scenario we have been preparing for.

"In this situation, the measures put in place have worked.

"This individual has returned from an affected area over the last number of weeks.

"They became symptomatic. They were brought to hospital.

"They were tested and confirmed as a positive case for coronavirus.

"This is what we had been expecting. Nothing really changes in Ireland, we remain in the containment phase."

3 The man landed at Dublin Airport in the last few weeks Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin

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Minister for Health Simon Harris said he has informed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

He added: "I would strongly encourage people to follow the guidance and advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team, led by the Chief Medical Officer."

Here, we take you through the early warning signs to be aware of and how to protect yourself.