a young girl wearing a hat © Provided by Extra.ie

Chief medical officer Tony Holohan has said that he cannot see any ‘immediate implications’ for the St Patrick’s Day parade due to the coronavirus — however said it is still too early to make a definitive call.

Gallery: How the coronavirus is being handled globally (Photo Services)

His comments come after the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in Ireland.

The Department of Health confirmed that a male in the east of the country was diagnosed with the virus after he travelled back to Ireland from Northern Italy.

a group of people wearing military uniforms: The first case of the coronavirus in Ireland was confirmed last weekend. Pic: YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) – 8064167 © Provided by Extra.ie The first case of the coronavirus in Ireland was confirmed last weekend. Pic: YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) – 8064167

A school in the east of the country has now been closed for 14 days as a result.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Dr Holohan said that public events and gatherings, such as the St Patrick’s Day parade, will be discussed at a National Public Health Emergency Team meeting tomorrow.

‘We understand that there will be a number of people involved in the organistion of events wondering about that guidance,’ Dr Holohan said.

Luanne Hunt et al. posing for the camera: There is no ‘immediate implications’ for the St Patrick’s Day parade despite the coronavirus. Pic: Europa Newswire/REX © Provided by Extra.ie There is no ‘immediate implications’ for the St Patrick’s Day parade despite the coronavirus. Pic: Europa Newswire/REX

‘We will place that guidance on our website and make it available for organisations to use to help them to make assessments of their own events.

‘We do understand that there are a small number of very large, significant national events where organisers will wish to have advice.

‘At this moment in time, we see no immediate implications for some of the mass gatherings that you mentioned there [such the St Patricks day parade].’

a group of people on a city street: The St Patrick’s Day parade may go ahead despite the coronavirus case in Ireland. Pic: Rollingnews.ie © Provided by Extra.ie The St Patrick’s Day parade may go ahead despite the coronavirus case in Ireland. Pic: Rollingnews.ie

However, Dr Holohan also said that the coronavirus situation in Ireland is developing quickly and that things are subject to change.

He said: ‘This is a fast-changing situation. Ten days ago, the experience we can now see in Italy was not part of our consideration.

‘Yet it led to the cancellation of the match that was due to take place next weekend.

‘It’s difficult to predict what might be of concern in 10 days time in the days leading into the St Patrick’s Day parade.

‘At this point in time, it’s too early to make certain assessments.’

Tony Holohan also advised people not to pay too much attention to rumours about the coronavirus circulating in social media and that the HSE website should be people’s main source of information.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:

Irish secondard school to close for 14 days (Independent.ie)

What you need to know as Irish case confirmed (The Journal)

What it's like to be tested for Covid-19 (Sky News)

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