Fórsa is in contact with the Department of Employment And Social Protection (DEASP) regarding changed procedures, increased workloads and the need for social distancing in Intreo centres (ICs).

A sudden and massive spike in coronavirus-related lay-offs is placing huge demands on social welfare services. Around 140,000 workers – from pubs, restaurants and childcare facilities – have been laid off in recent days. Read more about that here.

RTE reports that fifty-four new cases of the coronavirus have been diagnosed in the Republic as of last night, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 223. The model projections by Department of Health officials are that we are likely to see around 78 new confirmed cases today, around 109 tomorrow and 355 by Sunday. The Government's CMO, Dr Holohan has again stressed the need for society to play its part, engaging in social distancing and hygiene ettiquette, and that "we need the vast majority of people to follow most of the recommendations most of the time. We think that's a reasonable response".

US drugmaker Pfizer has signed a deal with Germany's BioNTech SE to co-develop a potential vaccine for the coronavirus. The drugmakers will start the collaboration immediately and have signed a letter of intent for the vaccine's distribution outside China, they said in a joint statement.

President Michael D Higgins has called on Irish people to take inspiration from St Patrick and show "solidarity and concern for our fellow citizens" as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak.

The European Commission has proposed a ban on non-essential travel to the EU for a period of at least 30 days over the coronavirus outbreak. At home, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said all Irish citizens had been advised against all non-essential travel overseas from now until 29 March. The guidance includes the UK but not Northern Ireland.

In aviation, Ryanair has said it has not ruled out grounding its entire fleet as it claims social distancing has made flying "impractical if not impossible". Meanwhile, Norwegian Air is to temporarily layoff around 7,300 staff as it cancels 85% of its flights.

The National Bus and Rail Union has warned Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and Irish Rail that its members do not wish to accept cash from passengers buying fares amid fears about the Covid-19 virus.

In letters to the chief executives of the three state-owned transport company, NBRU General Secretary said frontline transport workers were concerned about the risks emanating from the virus, but wanted to ensure that other workers, including health care personnel could continue to travel. 

The DAA ICTU Unions, SIPTU, Mandate, Forsa, Connect and Unite have called for the DAA to suspend the planned dividend to allow for the funds to be used to support airport workers over the coming period. Read more about that here.

Revenue has announced it is deferring the collection of Local Property Tax for those paying by Annual Debit Instruction or Single Debit Authority payment. Payments using these mechanisms had been due by 21 March. However, in a statement Revenue said the deduction date will now change to 21 May 2020.

Elsewhere, a full-time National Public Order Unit is being set up by Gardaí in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The unit will be tasked with patrolling key public order risk locations, the protection of life and property, the maintenance of law and order, emergency response and dealing with any protests or public order issues, with a total of 100 Gardaí, sergeants and inspectors to be assigned

And finally, a Cork artist's online initiative which started as a response to the COVID-19 shutdown has become a hit with kids and parents alike. See more here.

And finally for some zen. With a shortage of protective masks it's good to know that we can improvise and make do with what we have in order to protect ourselves.

Have a good day folks, and be safe.