Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said a confirmed case of coronavirus is anticipated at some stage in the country as efforts are stepped up to contain the spread of the outbreak. Family doctors are to be sent packs of protective masks and other equipment over the coming days as part of a continuing “containment strategy” overseen by the World Health Organisation (WHO). But Dr Holohan said Ireland has “substantial supplies” at the moment, which are being distributed to GPs. At a point where the numbers of cases rose significantly, the focus would have to switch from picking up every case - under a containment strategy - to a mitigation strategy that works on ensuring help is there for those mostly severely affected. Up to Monday this week, there were 15 tests carried out on suspected coronavirus cases in Ireland, but none have proved positive.

Source: Irish Examiner February 07, 2020 13:41 UTC