Patients and residents have been isolated in a nursing home in Co Laois after 18 people there tested positive for the coronavirus.
Relatives at the home in Portlaoise were informed on Friday that routine coronavirus tests, carried out the previous day, had proved positive in 18 cases.
The outbreak at Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home has caused considerable shock and concern among relatives. The nursing home has capacity for 52 mainly elderly patients.
A statement from the home is expected this afternoon. 28 new cases of the virus in Laois were announced on Saturday evening.