Seven new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Ireland.

Four are travel-related from northern Italy, and are men from the east of the country.

Two women in the west are associated with close contact with another confirmed case.

While there is one case of community transmission, a man from the south of the country, at Cork University Hospital.

All other previously confirmed cases were linked to travel from northern Italy - one of the affected areas.

The Department of Health has said a risk assessment is underway.

There are now 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE has said it is working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer with the Department of Health, said: "Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission.

"This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.

"Most people who become infected with COVID-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.

"However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.

"The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice."

Central to this are the protective measures:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Maintain at least one metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Practice cough and sneeze hygiene - covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Dispose of the tissue immediately

Cork University Hospital has cancelled all outpatient appointments for Friday.

It said this was due to "infection control issues".

While dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and infusions will proceed as planned.

It added that all patients will be re-scheduled as soon as possible.

It comes after the Health Service Executive (HSE) warned that it expects the virus to start spreading within communities in the next few weeks.

Dr Sarah Doyle said earlier: "We expect that this novel coronavirus will be spreading within our community within weeks.

"The onus is on all of us to protect those who are invulnerable groups and to protect our healthcare workers".

"So everybody needs to get ready: we need to think about how the virus is spread and think about how you can prevent it spreading".

There have also been three confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.

While Britain has recorded its first coronavirus-related death.

The patient, who had with underlying health conditions, was admitted to hospital on Wednesday evening and tested positive for the virus.

Some 116 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK - including 105 in England, three in Wales, six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland.

More information on the virus can be found here