More than 40,000 people are waiting for a test to be carried out for the coronavirus.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) says it is beginning to work through the backlog, when 50 test centres across the country open in the next couple of days.

However these can be moved to other areas as required.

It is also to double the capacity in hospitals across the country and adding another 10,000 beds.

Almost 1,200 people are now involved with contact tracing in coronavirus cases, which the HSE says it at capacity.

On testing kits, the HSE says almost 40,000 sample collection kits are being distributed - while a further 20,000 will arrive on Wednesday.

Negotiations are also ongoing with China to secure a further 100,000 per week.

The figure was revealed at a COVID-19 briefing on Sunday.

Personal protective equipment

At the same briefing, the HSE says it plans to spend almost €240m on personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.

The executive usually spends €15m a year on the clothing, but has upped its efforts following the outbreak.

That will include 11 million masks, one million face shields, one million goggles and about 400,000 gowns and suits.

An order is also to be placed in the coming weeks to the sum of €175m.

Some 147 healthcare workers have so far tested positive for the coronavirus.

The CEO of the HSE, Paul Reid, says they are placing more orders.

"Some particular areas - some particular hospitals, some particular community settings - may be running tighter than others.

"So we have been looking at some redistribution already.

"We have been securing in the past numbers of weeks very significant orders."

Mr Reid also says interviews have begun as part of its 'On Call for Ireland' recruitment campaign - focusing initially on doctors and nurses.