Coronavirus latest: Feis Maitiú announces special safety measures 

Less than 24 hours after officials confirmed that a second case of COVID-19 had been identified in Ireland, Feis Maitiú has announced new safety measures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Feis Maitiú attracts thousands of performers each year to Father Mathew Hall who are often supported by family, friends and teachers.

Ahead of the opening of the next phase of the event tomorrow, organisers have now asked that those taking part ‘limit who attends with’ them. 

They have also urged those who are attending to spread out and use all the rows of seats in the auditorium that are available, and say if there is a queue people should not stand too close to one another.

In what could be seen as a break from tradition, it says the adjudicator will not shake hands with any of the performers. 

Furthermore, organisers are urging people to avoid shaking hands, hugging or kissing performers, friends or colleagues.

While staff will not be wearing face masks, Feis Maitiú says they may use gloves when handling money.

Importantly, Feis Maitiú is urging people who feel in any way ill, have a temperature, fever, cough or sneezing to not attend the Feis. 

In addition, it is also asking those who have been to 'any of the affected areas' in the last few weeks to not attend.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation and may have to include further safety measures,” the organisation said in a statement.