First death
The first death linked to coronavirus in Ireland has been confirmed.
The woman who contracted the virus died in a hospital in the east of the country.
The woman is one of 34 people to have contracted the virus so far in Ireland.
The woman was elderly and had an underlying illness.
She was being treated in hospital initially for respiratory problems, when she was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Sad news this afternoon that Ireland has experienced its first death as a result of the coronavirus. A woman with underlying health problems has died in a hospital in the east of the country. #COVID19
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) March 11, 2020
Precautions in place
Two new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the North, bringing the total on the island to 52.
Both of those who've tested positive are associated with a previously reported case.
Meanwhile, nursing homes here are being told to follow the advice of public health experts when it comes to implementing visiting restrictions.
We are entering a new phase in #Covid19. I fully support our hospitals who have to make decisions on restricting visitors based on clinical risk, patient and public safety. Please do as we urge and our ask will increase as we progress. @HSELive
— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) March 11, 2020
The Green Party wants all pubs and restaurants to close by 6pm for the next two weeks, to stop the spread of coronavirus.
It says schools and colleges should close immediately for 2 weeks, and companies should try to enforce a work-from-home policy.
It adds that nightclubs, cinemas, and theatres should shut, and people should confine themselves to their houses as much as possible.
The Green Party is concerned that measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 should be taken sooner. We are concerned that delaying these measures may result in a larger number of casualties.https://t.co/DmV9KDnb6v
— Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) March 11, 2020
A social media campaign's been launched to help those who may need assistance while in self-isolation.
It's designed to carry out tasks on behalf of those who may need to restrict their movement.
Those who want help can tweet #selfisolationhelp and efforts will be made to link up with someone in the community.
Events cancelled
The Dublin Tech Summit is the latest event to be postponed due to the coronavirus.
Over 10,000 global attendees were expected at the conference next month.
The event has been rescheduled for September.
The Vantastival festival in Co Louth has been postponed due to the coronavirus.
The three-day event which was scheduled to take place in Drogheda at the end of May will now take place in September.
Hermitage Green, Lyra and many more artists were due to perform at the event.
Dublin Comic Con has also been postponed until August.
Please see an important update below re DCC Spring Edition's postponement. pic.twitter.com/JYPyYOkeKH
— Dublin Comic Con (@DublinComicCon) March 11, 2020
Aware has announced that the Habour2Harbour walk in Dublin has also been postponed.
It was due to go ahead on Saint Patrick's Day but will run later this year instead.
