The Health Service Executive has said the capacity to test for the cornavirus will be doubled from this week, to around 4,500 tests a day.
A network of laboratories and 50 community test centres have been set up across the country. The HSE said it has managed to secure a supply of reagent - a crucial component in the testing process- despite a global shortage.
A German supplier is now also testing around 2,000 tests from Ireland a day. Public health doctors have warned the next seven days are crucial to reduce the peak of the virus and have reiterated their call for people to stay at home where possible, and self isolate if they display any symptoms.