Coronavirus: Ireland confirms its first case of virus

Ireland on Saturday confirmed its first case of coronavirus after a man who had returned from northern Italy tested positive, the government said.

Health officials said the man, from the east of Ireland, was “receiving appropriate medical care” after they followed “established protocols” in testing and diagnosing him with COVID-19.

“The case is associated with travel from an affected area in northern Italy, rather than contact with another confirmed case,” the Department of Health said in a statement.

The authorities were working rapidly to identify any contacts the patient may have had, “to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread,” it added.

Health Minister Simon Harris said the development was “not unexpected”.