191 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Republic as third person dies

191 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic, while a third patient has died.

The number of cases in the Republic is now 557.

Health officials are now "working rapidly" to identify any contacts the newly-diagnosed patients may have had.

Today's increase compares to 74 new cases confirmed yesterday and comes amid an increase in recent days in the level of COVID-19 testing being carried out across the country.

Varadkar tells FG parliamentary party that schools could remain closed into April or May

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadakr speaking to the media. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Leo Varadkar has told his parliamentary party that schools could remain closed well into April or May because of the coronavirus.

The Taoiseach said there will be big increases in the numbers of people testing positive over the next few days - and that the benefits of social distancing won't be seen for five or ten days.

He also noted that the the number of positive tests will increase sharply up until then.

58,000 people have applied for COVID-19 unemployment payment so far

58,000 people have applied for the COVID-19 unemployment payment to date, the Social Protection Minister has said.

Regina Doherty says her department has already processed 43,000 of those applications for the €203 base payment.

Meanwhile, weekly social welfare payments will now be paid every two weeks, to ensure people who collect their payments from the post office only need to go once every two weeks.

COVID-19: Government announces ban on evictions and rent rises

Picture by: Jonathan Brady/PA Archive/PA Images

The Government has announced moratoriums on evictions and rent increases for the duration of the coronavirus emergency.

The Department of Housing says this is to ensure people can stay in their homes during this period

The notice period for tenancies of less than six months is also being increased from 28 to 90 days.

HSE and screening labs lose CervicalCheck standard of care appeal

The HSE and two labs have lost an appeal arising from a legal action taken by a terminally ill woman who fell victim to the CervicalCheck controversy.

Ruth Morrissey was awarded over €2m in damages after being wrongly given the all-clear on two separate occasions.

Main image: Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan. Photo: RollingNews.ie