Some 30,000 new COVID-19 testing kits are due to arrive in Ireland today.
Tests are to take place at community level with more testing centres being established around the country.
It comes after Croke Park was repurposed as a drive thru testing centre this week. Tests are available by appointment only.
GPs can order the test through the online system established this week.
Security guards wearing face masks at Croke Park in Dublin as the stadium is repurposed as a drive thru testing facility, 17-03-2020. Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA ImagesA further 74 people had tested positive for COVID-19 as of lunchtime yesterday, bringing the total in the Republic to 366.
The Department of Health yesterday published a breakdown of the first 271 recorded cases.
Meanwhile there are 68 confirmed cases in the North – bringing the total on the island of Ireland to 434.
This afternoon, the Dáil is expected to approve drastic new laws in a bid to control the outbreak.
Just one-third of TDs will be allowed to attend the special sitting to pass the Health Preservation and other Emergency Measures Bi.
It is expected to pass all stages of the Oireachtas this week.
15/3/2009. Leinster House. An elevated view of the Merrion Square side of Leinster House. Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall IrelandThe new legislation allows authorities to detain people who refuse to self-isolate and gives them the power to shut down mass gatherings.
They could also order people to stay indoors in hard-hit areas.
It also gives a legal footing to the enhanced welfare supports available to people whose jobs have been hit by the pandemic.
TDs have been asked to observe social distancing while in the Dáil chamber.
A number of amendments are being pushed by opposition parties.
The Labour Party wants a guaranteed sunset clause for these emergency powers to end in six months time.
At the moment they are due to end on May 9th, but can be extended by the government.
Labour has also called for a ban on evictions for as long as these emergency measures are in place.
