a close up of a flower: This handout illustration image obtained February 27, 2020 courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the coronavirus,COVID-19 © Photo by Handout / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / AFP This handout illustration image obtained February 27, 2020 courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the coronavirus,COVID-19

A male from the eastern part of the country is being  treated for coronavirus.

The patient had recently returned from northern Italy, the National Public Health Emergency Team said this evening.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre was today informed of a confirmed case of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.

The centre revaleaed that a male "in the eastern part of the country" is currently receiving appropriate medical care. 

Gallery: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak around the world (Photo Services) 

The statement says: "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."

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.

Medical members wearing protective gear take samples from a driver with suspected symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at a "drive-through" virus test facility in Goyang, north of Seoul, on February 29, 2020. - South Korea reported on February 29 its biggest surge in new coronavirus cases and concerns grew of a possible epidemic in the United States as the World Health Organization raised its risk alert to its highest level. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images) Medical members wearing protective gear take samples from a driver with suspected symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at a "drive-through" virus test facility in Goyang, north of Seoul, on February 29, 2020. - South Korea reported on February 29 its biggest surge in new coronavirus cases and concerns grew of a possible epidemic in the United States as the World Health Organization raised its risk alert to its highest level. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

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

Dr. John Cuddihy, Director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said: "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."

Covid-19 is spread through close contact with an infected person’s body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing), or by touching surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on.

The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.

Any person concerned that they may have symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) should immediately isolate themselves from others and contact their GP by phone.

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Canan Emcan, 31, chief nurse of the infection and virologist ward of the university clinic of Essen puts a sample of a smear test into a plastic bag to be used in case of coronavirus patients during a media event in Essen, Germany, March 5, 2020.   REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay Next Story

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