The Department of Health say no spokesperson is available on the issue.
Results of a test for coronavirus on a Westmeath student are expected in the next 24 hours.
35 students and four staff members teachers from Castlepollard Community College travelled to Italy during the mid-term break, with one student displaying symptoms after returning.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre is advising that those who have been in affected regions and are adisplaying symptoms of coughing, fever and shortness of breath to stay at home, not go to public places or to school.
So far, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease in Ireland.
Midlands 103 requested a spokesperson from the Department Of Health, to which they gave the following response:
We have a Department and HSE policy of not commenting on individual cases, groups of cases, or indeed individual acts of preparedness, unless we have a confirmed case. We currently have no confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Each week, the National Public Health Emergency Team meet on a Tuesday and thereafter the Department of Health release that week's figure of those who have been tested. This week we informed the media that we have tested 90 cases, all of which have been negative.
Testing is a routine matter of protocol based on specific requirements and the judgement of highly trained healthcare professionals, which can be read about in more depth - including what would happen if we had a confirmed case in Ireland.
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026
Bressie To Perform At Oprah Winfrey Dublin Show
Daniel Kinahan To Be Held In Laois Prison