The first death of a coronavirus patient in Ireland has been confirmed.

According to The Irish Times, the patient passed away on Wednesday. They were being treated at a hospital in the east of the country. The patient is said to have initially presented with respiratory symptoms. The publication reports that they were later diagnosed with coronavirus after staff made the decision to perform the test.

We are entering a new phase in #Covid19. I fully support our hospitals who have to make decisions on restricting visitors based on clinical risk, patient and public safety. Please do as we urge and our ask will increase as we progress. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) March 11, 2020

The first case of coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland was confirmed on February 29. There are now 34 cases, with a further 18 cases confirmed in Northern Ireland. Paul Reid, the CEO of the HSE, said today that "we are entering a new phase" of coronavirus. "We are entering a new phase in #Covid19. I fully support our hospitals who have to make decisions on restricting visitors based on clinical risk, patient and public safety," he wrote. "Please do as we urge and our ask will increase as we progress."