Fórsa published new guidance yesterday for health staff and other workers who are working in, or could be asked to work in, environments where there is a higher-than-average risk of contracting the coronavirus. The advice is now available on the website, and can be accessed here.

Health officials confirmed another 345 more cases of the virus in Ireland last evening and a further 36 deaths. There are now a total of 5,709 confirmed cases in Ireland. You can also find a county by county breakdown of the confirmed cases using this interactive map.

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland administrations have signed a memo formalising their co-operation in the battle against coronavirus. A memorandum of understanding, which has been signed by the two departments of health, focuses on facilitating greater co-operation on messaging, research and public health measures.

Minister for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor has confirmed that higher and further education exams won’t be taking place in examination centres during the Covid-19 emergency. Written, oral or practical assessments in examination centres will be substituted for other assessment arrangements, with options including online exams, written assignments or rescheduling.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has confirmed that fourth-year nursing students will be paid more. In an update to its student members, the INMO said that the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive had clarified that fourth-year interns, who were earning less than Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), will now be paid on the HCA salary scale.

In other news, the Easter Bunny has been deemed an essential worker by Minister for Health Simon Harris. 

Lastly, your moment of zen today is a performance of ‘Hello In There’ by the late country songwriter John Prine. Enjoy and stay safe everyone.