Irish Examiner View: Coronavirus spreading - Be prepared

Irish citizens have been advised not to travel to areas of Italy affected by a coronavirus outbreak. At least seven people have died in Italy and there is an increase in the number of confirmed cases.

Neighbouring Austria may be reintroducing border controls with Italy, in an attempt to contain the outbreak. A dozen northern Italian towns are already in lockdown.

In China, National People’s Congress has been cancelled for the first time in decades because of the disease.

In Iran claims that there had been 50 coronavirus deaths in the city Qom were denied though some deaths have been admitted.

Today, a leading intensive care consultant warned there are not enough ICU beds in our hospitals should coronavirus reach Ireland.

Preparations for an outbreak here are ongoing and intense but maybe it’s time to share those preparations with the public so, in the event of an outbreak, the response can be calm and managed. Doing so would minimise the likelihood of panic and maximise chances of success.