Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in a press briefing today that there no recommendation to cancel large gatherings at this stage, as more Covid-19 cases are confirmed.

Organisers have still not yet discussed the status of the St. Patrick's Day festival in Dublin, which attracts heaps of tourists every year. The parade in Youghal, Co. Cork however has already been cancelled. Department of Health chief medical officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that St. Patrick's events could be cancelled at a later stage if medical advice indicates a need.

Seven new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland yesterday, bringing the total number up to 13. One of the new cases is the first to come from community transmission, not international travel. Confidentiality and patient privacy are still priorities for the Department of Health, according to chief medical officer Dr. Holohan.

Varadkar said there is a need to balance "our desire to give people information… with the need to protect the identity of individuals”.

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes emphasized the importance of patient confidentiality in The Message, also touching on other coronavirus-related issues such as the widespread panic that has rapidly overcome the globe.

The government will continue to evaluate the situation at hand.