219 new cases
There are 219 new cases of #covid19 in the Republic of Ireland today.
Another two patients have also died - bringing the total number of deaths to 6.
The total number of confirmed cases here is now 1,125.
Department of Health COVID-19 Press Briefing https://t.co/JY2OrwHYds
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) March 23, 2020
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has tested negative for Coronavirus.
The Foreign Affairs Minister was tested after contact tracing showed he was in close contact with someone who has the virus.
Opposition parties have called for a more severe lockdown of the country.
Party leaders have been meeting this afternoon to discuss the next steps in tackling the spread of the Coronavirus.
Pictures of large crowds gathered in public places over the weekend have led to a backlash today - and could lead to further restrictions on public gatherings before the week is out.
The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald wants to take things a step further
But Taoiseach Leo Varadkar isn't convinced a full lockdown is the best approach
The government has been speaking with local authorities and the National Parks and Wildlife Service today and will make a decision on further restrictions after advice from the Chief Medical Officer, which is due tomorrow.
