A group of Irish researchers are raising funds to develop easy-to-assemble and inexpensive-to-build emergency ventilators for Covid-19 patients in a bid to tackle the global shortage. The group, which is collaborating with experts in research institutions in Ireland and the UK, is hoping to have a fully functional prototype by next Friday. Read more about it here.

The Department of Health last evening confirmed 191 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, and said another person has died from the virus in Ireland. The third person to die from the virus is a female from the east of the country, and the total number of cases in the Republic now stands at 557.

The Government has announced plans for a temporary ban on evictions for the duration of the crisis. The proposals also include a temporary ban on rent increases for those whose incomes have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The emergency measures for renters were agreed at a Cabinet meeting yesterday.

The Department of Education announced yesterday the cancellation of Leaving Cert and Junior Cert orals and practical exams, with the decision to grant full marks to all students.

Finland's national health authority questioned the World Health Organization's call on countries to test as many patients as possible for coronavirus, after the country ran out of testing capacity this week. Unlike many other countries, Finland is limiting coronavirus tests to the most vulnerable groups and healthcare personnel only.

A small positive news in the midst of quarantine and social distancing is the emergence of clear water in the canals of Venice, the likes of which haven’t been seen in over 60 years, as boat traffic has come to a halt. The fishes are visible, and the swans have returned!