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A total of 69 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

This brings the total number of people with the deadly Covid-19 virus to 292.

The total figure of positive cases in Northern Ireland is 62.

40 of the new cases are in women, with the remaining 29 in men.

Of the new cases, 48 are in the east, 13 are in the south, five are in the north west and three are in the west. A further 10 cases were announced in the north this afternoon.

The HSE says it is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Speaking after a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Cooperation across the health service has never been more important and I would like to thank our colleagues in their ongoing efforts to help us to prepare for and limit the spread of COVID-19.”



Meanwhile, a staggering 340,000 people are forecasted to be out of work by the end of the week due to Covid-19.



Measures put in place in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus have already led to the loss of an estimated 140,000 roles, with another 200,000 expected this week.



The Government has brought out a €203 sum per week for anyone who has lost their job, with many being urged to apply for Jobseekers' Allowance within six weeks to ensure they continue to receive the payment if their emergency one finishes.



The news comes on a St Patrick's Day like no other in Ireland.



Almost all the usual colourful parades that attract thousands were called off following medical advice for social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.

(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin)

Up to 340,000 workers will be out of work by the end of the week because of coronavirus, the head of the country’s retailers warned on Tuesday.

David Fitzsimons pleaded for a Government decree suspending all non-essential business and for urgent grants to help struggling companies to survive the crisis.

Mr Fitzsimons, who has a heart condition, also revealed he is going straight into self-isolation because of the stress brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.

The chief executive of Retail Excellence warned that another 200,000 people will be out of work by the end of this week because of the measures put in place to tackle coronavirus on top of the 140,000 workers who have lost their jobs already.

(Image: REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff)

In an emotional interview on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he also spoke about the personal toll the pandemic has had on him and his family.

He said: “I have heart disease. After this call I will enter self-isolation. I cannot risk my life anymore.”

Mr Fitzsimons went on to say that the situation for the country’s retail sector was now “dire”.

Mr Fitzsimons said that Retail Excellence has been coordinating with his European colleagues and all had agreed that three courses of action needed to be taken.

He said that first there must be a decree that all non-essential stores and commerce are closed down.

He added: “All non-essential retail should be shut down now. We need common sense in this crisis.

He added: “Let me be clear, we need a decree today. Don’t talk about VAT reductions.

“We need our government to support us, to lead us through a period of great concern.”

The retail boss said that between €5,000 to €10,000 a week would be needed for vital businesses including pharmacies and food suppliers to ensure they could stay open.

Mr Fitzsimons also also said it might be necessary for such stores to put protective measures in place to ensure that staff are kept safe and are not contaminated.

He also suggested that the gardai and even the army might be needed to keep order when food and medicine is being supplied.

Mr Fitzsimons confirmed he met Businesses Minister Heather Humphreys last week and had been present at emergency talks with the government at the weekend.

He added: “We need our government to support us, to lead us through a period of great concern.

“Let’s start planning a response to jolt our economy back in six to eight weeks. This is desperate.”