A teenage boy has been arrested in Waterford in connection with an investigation into people allegedly coughing on others on purpose.
He was arrested over a public order offence in Dungarvan on Monday.
Separately, a nurse says a group of teenagers surrounded and coughed on her while she was out for a run in Clontarf in Dublin.
Gardaí are also investigating reports of a man coughing into the face of an elderly couple in Co Kildare.
Health Minister Simon Harris today also said a man and woman came up and coughed in his face deliberately yesterday.
Minister Harris said "it's quite pathetic".
The force says they're aware of social media reports of a number of incidents, but urged the public to report any incidents to them rather than posting online.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said gardaí have the power to act when it comes to any such incidents.
He said: "I don't come from a totalitarian or authoritarian perspective here: I believe the gardaí are there to help, assist, support and advice.
"But if more is needed we have the law, and that's why the Dáil sat last week to give emergency powers in terms of assisting the gardaí to enforce the new regime should they deem it necessary."
