Ireland Private hospitals to be leased for use as public hospitals for duration of Covid-19 crisis

A souvenir seller waits for business in Dublin city centre, Tuesday March 17, 2020. The St Patrick's Day parades across Ireland were cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19 virus. For most people, the new COVID-19 coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause more severe illness.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Tourists cover their faces in Dublin city centre, Tuesday March 17, 2020. The St Patrick's Day parades across Ireland were cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19 virus. For most people, the new COVID-19 coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

People go about their business in Dublin city centre, Tuesday March 17, 2020. The St Patrick's Day parades across Ireland were cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19 virus. For most people, the new COVID-19 coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Tourists wearing face masks walk past a closed pub in Dublin city centre, Monday, March, 16, 2020. All pubs in the Republic of Ireland closed late Sunday to try and tackle the spread of Covid-19. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

A sign anouncing the cancellation of a St Patrick's Day parade in Athy, County Kildare due to coronavirus. (Photo by Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images)

Workers begin boarding up a pub in Dublin city centre, Monday, March, 16, 2020. All pubs in the Republic of Ireland closed late Sunday to try and tackle the spread of Covid-19. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

People play football in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

People walk in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

People practice football in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A woman takes pictures of a deer in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A child offers a carrot to a herd of deer in the Phoenix Park, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A boy exercises by doing pull-ups on a goalpost in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A child plays football in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

People play football in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Cars are parked throughout the Phoenix Park as people enjoy a walk amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A notice about coronavirus is pictured as pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Cars are parked throughout the Phoenix Park as people enjoy a walk amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Tourists with face masks walk around Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Tourists with face masks walk around Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Streets are deserted in parts of the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

People enjoy walks around the papal cross in the Phoenix Park amid Government calls for social distancing, as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Two people read the closure notice in the window of The Norseman pub, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

A man dressed up as Saint Patrick is pictured outside The Temple Bar pub, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

A man dressed up as Saint Patrick is pictured outside The Temple Bar pub, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Deserted Streets are pictured as a result of the Pubs being closed in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

A man wearing a protective face mask passes The Norseman pub, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Lauren Dvorscak from New York reads a pub closure notice in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pub doors are locked in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

A tourist tries to enter a pub in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, as bars across Ireland close voluntarily to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Dublin, Ireland, March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Croke Park Stadium. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Energia Park in Donnybrook, Dublin. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Dublin , Ireland - 15 March 2020; A general view of Energia Park in Donnybrook, Dublin. Following directives from the Irish Government and the Department of Health the majority of the country's sporting associations have suspended all activity until March 29, in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Irish chef Cuan Greene, 27, who lost his job at Dublin's Bastible restaurant after it closed its doors on Sunday amid the growing threat from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is seen in his house in Dublin, Ireland March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

Dublin , Ireland - 19 March 2020; Enduro mountain bike rider, Greg Callaghan, during a training session in Dublin. He is currently training at home, following the postponement of the opening two rounds of the Enduro World Series, in Columbia and Chile. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Neighbours Lia Byrne, Aoife Gannon, Caoimhe Gannon and Peter O'Connell chat after a street session to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland, March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Carmel Crimmins

Irish chef Cuan Greene, 27, who lost his job at Dublin's Bastible restaurant after it closed its doors on Sunday amid the growing threat from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is seen in his house in Dublin, Ireland March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A person in fancy dress in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day as public events were cancelled as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A man walks past a pub in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day as public events were cancelled as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

General view in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day as public events were cancelled as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world, in Dublin, Ireland, March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A runner jogs past the shuttered Bastible restaurant, after it closed its doors on Sunday amid the growing threat from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dublin, Ireland March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A mask is placed on a model in Dublin.

A mask on the Phil Lynott statue in Dublin.

A sign notifying customers of stock limitation policies in a Spar in Dublin. An Irish naval vessel is being transformed into a Covid-19 testing centre.

A woman enjoys the sunshine in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin, on the first day of Astronomical Spring which begins on the day of the Spring Equinox.

Liz Connor, from Maynooth, and her daughters Ellen (8) and Grace (6) wear protective facemasks as they go for a walk to celebrate Mother's Day in Dublin's city centre.

A member of the defence forces on Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin as defence forces tents have been set up alongside the L� Samuel Beckett ahead of it becoming operational as a testing centre for Covid-19.

A sign with guidelines on social distancing when outdoors in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin as an infectious disease expert has said Ireland will experience a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases before social distancing measures start to make an impact.

A woman walks along Poolbeg Great South Wall pier as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 24, 2020. Picture taken March 24, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A man helps a child learn to cycle along an empty Sandymount strand as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 20, 2020. Picture taken March 20, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Ireland's Prime Minister Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks during a news conference on the ongoing situation with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Government Buildings in Dublin, Ireland March 24, 2020. Steve Humphreys/Pool via REUTERS

A man exercises in Phoenix Park, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 24, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

Irish Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan attends a news conference on the ongoing situation with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Government Buildings in Dublin, Ireland March 24, 2020. Steve Humphreys/Pool via REUTERS

A man wind-surfs with roller blades on an empty Sandymount strand as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 20, 2020. Picture taken March 20, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

The silhouettes of two cyclists in Phoenix Park, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 24, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A sign notifies passers by of the 2 meter social distancing measures in place, as people exercise in Phoenix Park in Dublin, on March 25, 2020, after Ireland introduced measures to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. - Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar on Tuesday announced that all non-essential businesses will shut from midnight as part of the country's latest measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. "These are unprecedented actions to respond to an unprecedented emergency," he said, adding the measures would remain in place until at least April 19. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

A sign notifies passers by of the 2 meter social distancing measures in place, as people exercise in Phoenix Park in Dublin, on March 25, 2020, after Ireland introduced measures to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. - Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar on Tuesday announced that all non-essential businesses will shut from midnight as part of the country's latest measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. "These are unprecedented actions to respond to an unprecedented emergency," he said, adding the measures would remain in place until at least April 19. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

Two women jogging in the Phoenix Park, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 24, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A sign notifies passers by of the 2 meter social distancing measures in place, as people exercise in Phoenix Park in Dublin, on March 25, 2020, after Ireland introduced measures to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. - Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar on Tuesday announced that all non-essential businesses will shut from midnight as part of the country's latest measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. "These are unprecedented actions to respond to an unprecedented emergency," he said, adding the measures would remain in place until at least April 19. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

(Left to right) CEO of An Post David McRedmond, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Health Simon Harris, and Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan during the launch of a public information booklet on coronavirus at Government Buildings in Dublin.

People queue at The Moose Box cafe in Dublin as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has introduced a number of sweeping measures to tackle the coronavirus, including cafes and restaurants limiting themselves to takeaway and delivery only.

A discarded protective face mask on a street in Dublin as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has introduced a number of sweeping measures to tackle the coronavirus.

A woman wearing a protective face mask waits at a bus stop which displays a message of "Thank you to Ireland's retail workers" as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

DUBLIN, March 28, 2020 . An empty road is seen in Dublin, Ireland, on March 28, 2020. A total of 14 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 died in Ireland on Saturday. Another 294 new cases of COVID-19 were also confirmed in Ireland on Saturday, bringing the total number to 2,415. The Irish government on Friday issued a "stay-at-home" order, demanding all the people in the country not to leave their homes except in special circumstances. (Photo from Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/ via Getty Images)

DUBLIN, March 28, 2020. A living compound is seen in Dublin, Ireland, on March 28, 2020. A total of 14 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 died in Ireland on Saturday. Another 294 new cases of COVID-19 were also confirmed in Ireland on Saturday, bringing the total number to 2,415. The Irish government on Friday issued a "stay-at-home" order, demanding all the people in the country not to leave their homes except in special circumstances. (Photo from Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/ via Getty Images)

DUBLIN, March 28, 2020 . A tram station is seen empty in Dublin, Ireland, on March 28, 2020. A total of 14 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 died in Ireland on Saturday. Another 294 new cases of COVID-19 were also confirmed in Ireland on Saturday, bringing the total number to 2,415. The Irish government on Friday issued a "stay-at-home" order, demanding all the people in the country not to leave their homes except in special circumstances. (Photo from Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/ via Getty Images)

Bikes are seen in Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A cyclist in Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

General view of a statue in Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

General view quiet streets in Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

General view of a statue in Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

General view quiet streets in Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

Alice Woods exercises social distancing while she chats to people from her doorway as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A bike delivery man passes by, while a homeless person is seen lying in the entrance of a restaurant as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Dublin, Ireland, March 29, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A man practices boxing exercises along the Grand Canal as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

People sit on a bench along the Grand Canal as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A woman wearing a protective face mask walks past a building with the message "Don't be afraid" written on it as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

People sit on a bench next to a tent in front of an empty office block along the Grand Canal as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A woman walks with a placard with the Bible reference as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 29, 2020. Picture taken March 29, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

A woman exercises with a skipping rope on the street outside her home as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Dublin, Ireland, March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

A police officer is seen on the streets of Dublin as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Dublin, Ireland, March 29, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

The One World Trade Center is illuminated in red, white and blue in recognition of the ongoing nationwide effort to combat coronavirus in New York City, as it is seen from Exchange Place, New Jersey, U.S., on March 30.

A woman stands alone on a bus stop during a workday following the implementation of stricter social-distancing and self-isolation rules to limit the spread of the coronavirus in Sydney, Australia, on March 31.

A security man walks along an empty Foch Street before a nighttime curfew imposed by the government to help stem the spread of the coronavirus in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 30.

People wearing face masks practise social distancing as they wait outside a Postal Savings Bank of China branch in Wuhan, China, on March 31.

A man reaches to a basket, that was hung up so people can donate or take for free food, as Italy struggles to contain the spread of coronavirus, in Naples, on March 30.

A medical personnel reacts in the COVID-19 unit of the Erasme Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, on March 30.

A man takes pictures of a new countdown display for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in Japan on March 31. The countdown clock is ticking again for the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled from July 23-Aug. 8, 2021.

A bird flies past a drone spraying disinfectant during a demonstration during the Movement Control Order, limiting the activities of people in Malaysia as a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus, in Kuala Lumpur on March 31.

Buddhist monks wearing face shields and masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus disease collect alms in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 31.

A healthcare worker sits on a bench near Central Park in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., on March 30.

Nurses work to prepare the intensive care unit in the new COVID-19 hospital in Verduno, Italy, on March 29, on the eve of its official opening.

An emergency triage tent is seen at Harborview Medical Center as efforts continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Seattle, Washington, U.S., on March 29.

People applaud from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak in Barcelona, Spain, on March 29.

People stand in a queue, maintaining the recommended distance, as they collect food being distributed by a local Non-Governmental Organisation to homeless people during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 in Mumbai, India, on March 29.

Environmental activists wearing masks symbolizing the coronavirus attend a prevention campaign as people take measures to protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19 in Seoul, South Korea, on March 30.

Volunteers in protective suits spray disinfectant on storefronts to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in Kabul, Afghanistan, on March 29.

A cashier works from behind a plastic curtain as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 29.

A police officer maintains distance as he detains a man defying the lockdown imposed by the government amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus disease in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 29.

A mask-clad auxiliary police officer looks on in Wuhan, China, on March 29, a day after travel restrictions into the city were eased following two months of lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus Ireland latest breakdown by gender, age and cases as highest daily number of deaths recorded

Cases in the country have risen to 3,235, with 325 further infections confirmed today .Want to help?: Volunteer Ireland are looking for people to assist our communities' most vulnerable members during the coronavirus emergency.

Hospitals including University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami as of Friday were still doing elective surgeries. " To be using this personal protection equipment in ways that are not judicious or addressing the concerns of the general public safety is appalling."

So many hospital facilities across the public and private sectors were requisitioned for the Covid - 19 crisis that there are not enough patients to fill them. Medics have warned that a "catastrophic cancer crisis " is unfolding because of delays to treatment. Gordon Wishart, Professor of Cancer Surgery at

A man walks past on a nearly empty Tokyo street amid snowfall during the first weekend after Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike urged Tokyo residents to stay indoors in a bid to keep the COVID-19 from spreading, on March 29.

Migrant workers crowd up outside a bus station as they wait to board buses to return to their villages during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spreading of COVID-19, in Ghaziabad, India, on March 28.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan speaks during a press conference at the CenturyLink Field Event Center, where a field a hospital for non-COVID-19 cases will be built, as efforts continue to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease, in Seattle, Washington, U.S., on March 28.

Medical and physician assistant students in personal protective equipment listen during a meeting before screening for possible coronavirus cases at a makeshift camp for the homeless in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., on March 28.

Australian fishermen brokering deal to fly lobsters to China, get coronavirus medical supplies in return

A group of Australian fishermen are looking to lock in a bold deal that will see them bring much-needed medical supplies back to Australia after chartering a plane to deliver lobsters fresh lobsters to the world's biggest seafood export market.The western rock lobster industry was worth up to $500 million (£250m) a year before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and about 95 per cent of the product was air freighted to China.

Indonesia’s Red Cross personnel wearing protective suits spray disinfectant on the road to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on March 28.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe holds a news conference on his country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on March 28.

China's ambassador in Venezuela Li Baorong (L) and Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez are seen after the arrival of humanitarian aid from China at Simón Bolívar International Airport during the national quarantine, in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 28.

A violinist plays on her balcony to support health workers in Mulhouse, France, on March 28, 2020.

Municipal workers disinfect public areas as a part of measures against the spreading of COVID-19 in Escobedo, Mexico, on March 28.

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper (R) and U.S. President Donald Trump watch as the hospital ship USNS Comfort departs Naval Base Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S., on March 28. The Comfort sails to New York City, New York, U.S., to aid in the coronavirus outbreak.

STILL Sweden bucks the trend: Public continue to mill about in groups as life goes on despite warnings their government's coronavirus approach is recipe for disaster

Climate change is reportedly making it harder for nightingales to fly.

A supermarket employee delivers products in Rome, Italy, on March 28, as the country tightens measures to try and contain the spread of COVID-19.

The message "Merci" (French for "thank you") is displayed in tribute of those on the frontline to fight the coronavirus disease, on the facade of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, on March 27.

U.S. President Donald Trump (C) signs the $2.2 trillion H.R. 748 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on March 27.

A man wears a plastic cover while feeding pigeons on a square, as the COVID-19 outbreak continues, in La Paz, Bolivia, on March 27.

A man plays his accordion to lift his parents' spirits after they started practicing social isolation in their house to prevent themselves from catching the coronavirus disease, in Concepción, Chile on March 26.

The London Eye is lit up as part of a nationwide salute to the doctors, nurses and staff of the National Health Service (NHS) in London, England, on March 26.

The MV Artania cruise ship with passengers tested positive for the coronavirus is seen berthed at the Fremantle Harbor near Perth, Australia, on March 27. 

Members of the Arizona National Guard pack and sort food items at a food bank in Mesa, Arizona, U.S., on March 26. 

A person in protective clothing walks through a temporary 2,000-bed hospital for coronavirus patients set up by the Iranian army at the international exhibition center in Tehran, Iran, on March 26.

A staff member of a coffee shop disinfects a customer coming into the cafe amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Yangon, Myanmar on March 26. 

A daily labourer wearing a facemask waits for trucks to come for food commodities at a wholesale market during a 21 day government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kolkata, India on March 26. 

A young girl attends a ballet class from home while practising social distancing during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. on March 25. 

A staff member sprays disinfectant at a cinema as it prepares to reopen to the public after closing due to coronavirus (COVID-19), in Shenyang, Chin on March 25.  

A barber, reflected in a mirror wearing a protective face mask as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), styles a customer's hair in Havana, Cuba on March 25.  

A policeman checks motorists at a roadblock during the first day of a 21 day government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Delhi, India on March 25.  

Robert Burck, known as the 'original' "Naked Cowboy", poses for photos wearing a mask in a mostly empty Times Square, during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S. on March 24.  

North Korea insists it is free of coronavirus

North Korea remains totally free of the coronavirus, a senior health official in Pyongyang has insisted, despite mounting scepticism overseas as known cases of infection topped one million worldwide. North Korea remains totally free of the coronavirus, a senior health official in Pyongyang has insisted, despite mounting scepticism overseas as known cases of infection topped one million worldwide.

An aerial view of empty Octavio Frias de Oliveira bridge, a cable-stayed bridge, on the first day of a lockdown imposed by state government because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 24. 

A soldier inspects beds for treatment of possible COVID-19 infected patients inside the Belgrade Fair, Serbia, on March 24.

Yoshiro Mori, president of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (L), and Toshiro Muto, CEO of the committee, attend a news conference after a telephone meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach (not in picture), while the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, in Tokyo, Japan after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were officially postponed to 2021 on March 24. 

People practice social distancing as they sit on chairs spread apart in a waiting area for takeaway food orders at a shopping malls amid coronavirus (COVID-19) scare in Bangkok, Thailand on March 24. 

American Airlines passenger planes crowd a runway where they are parked due to flight reductions to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), at Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. on March 23.  

A closed Luna Park window is seen on March 24 in Sydney, Australia. Non-essential travel has been banned in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia while venues such as bars, clubs, nightclubs, cinemas, gyms and restaurants, along with anywhere people remain static are now closed. 

Chinese tourists wear protective masks as they visit the almost empty, but recently re-opened, Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, China on March 24.  

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern briefs the media about the novel coronavirus during a press conference at the Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on March 24. 

People wearing facemasks queue outside a shop at Pugoda on the outskirts of Sri Lanka's capital city Colombo on March 24, as the authorities briefly lifted a curfew to allow residents to stock up on essentials amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

French visitors talk on the phone and wave at friends on board the MSC Magnifica, which is berthed at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal in Australia on March 24. The MSC Magnifica arrived on the morning of March 24 as the police and border force officers monitored the ship amid concerns over COVID-19 to ensure neither the crew nor passengers disembarked while the ship refueled.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive Officer James Johnson speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on March 24. Johnson said that the rest of the A-League soccer season has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A man walks around a local park in Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S., on March 22.

Passengers ride a subway after the city's emergency alert level for COVID-19 was downgraded, in Shanghai, China, on March 23.

People sit on social distancing benches at a bus station in Thailand on March 22.

An empty avenue is seen after the government of Guatemala announced curfews in Guatemala City, on March 22.

A man plays guitar and sings to his neighbors from his balcony two days after California’s Governor Gavin Newsom implemented a state wide "stay at home order" in Oakland, California, U.S., on March 21.

Australian senators practice social distancing as they attend a scaled-down session in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on March 23.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a COVID-19 task force briefing at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S, on March 22.

Trajineras (boats) are parked in Xochimilco due to a lack of clients as Mexico's health ministry urged people to maintain a "healthy distance" to avoid infection, in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 21.

DJ and event producer Nash Petrovic live streams a set from his roof in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., on March 21.

A health worker wearing a facemask checks the body temperature of passengers leaving from the airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 22.

Workers in protective suits walk on the street during the national quarantine in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 21.

Journalists practice social distancing outside a meeting to wrap up work on coronavirus economic aid legislation in Washington, D.C., U.S., on March 21.

A view of an empty Bondi Beach in Australia after authorities closed the popular spot on March 22.

A customer wearing a face mask stands next to partially empty shelves of instant noodles at a supermarket, following COVID-19 outbreak, in Taipei, Taiwan, on March 21.

Health workers wearing facemasks spray disinfectant at the corporation office in Chennai, India, on March 20.

Health services staff members protest outside the Txagorritxu Hospital demanding more protection equipment, after a Spanish nurse died the previous day from COVID-19, in Vitoria, Spain, on March 20.

A man wearing a face mask directs the homeless for food donations, a day after California's Governor Gavin Newsom implemented a statewide "stay at home order" directing the state's nearly 40 million residents to stay in their homes for the foreseeable future in the face of the fast-spreading coronavirus disease, outside the Glide Memorial Methodist Church in San Francisco, California, U.S., on March 20.

An airport security worker wearing protective gear looks at a screen showing international departures at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China on March 19.

City workers wearing protective suits disinfect a street in Manila, Philippines, on March 19.

A woman carries out an exercise class for her neighbors from her balcony while they cannot leave their homes due to the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Rome, Italy, on March 18.

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is lit up in the colors of the countries that are affected by the coronavirus outbreak, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 18.

A worker wearing a protective suit disinfects a customer's hands at the entrance of a public market in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 18.

A sign that reads "Items per customer limited to 3" is seen in a supermarket, as the government announced measures to alleviate the effect of the deadly virus, in Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador, on March 18.

A commuter wears a mask as a precaution whilst travelling on an underground metro train in the morning in central London, England, on March 18.

People, wearing face masks as a preventive measure, wait to cross a road in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 17.

Why We Laugh at the Coronavirus

Humor helps us take back control and to connect—two things we have lost in our fight against the pandemic.The coronavirus pandemic has caused so many things to happen, some predictable, others not. European leaders have confined people at home and seen their approval ratings soar. Right-wing politicians have temporarily socialized their national economies. And as the world hunkers down, threatened by the worst global health crisis in 100 years, there’s been a mass outpouring of gags, memes, funny videos, and general silliness. We might be scared, but we seem determined to carry on laughing.

A man waits for his flight as he wears protective mask, at the airport in Málaga, Spain, on March 17.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with G7 leaders during a teleconference while under self-isolation, due to his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau testing positive for COVID-19, in his home at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Canada, on March 16.

Expatriates returning from Egypt, Syria and Lebanon arrive to be re-tested at a health ministry containment and screening zone for COVID-19, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on March 16.

Local workers clean the streets as a precautionary measure in Concepción, Chile, on March 16.

A resident wearing a facemask walks past a graffiti of Buddha wearing a facemask, in Mumbai, India, on March 16.

A worker in a protective suit sprays disinfectants near Al-Abbas shrine as a precaution against the outbreak of coronavirus, in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, on March 15.

A worker closes a restaurant early due to COVID-19 related restrictions in the French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., on March 15.

A deliveryman rides an electric scooter in the empty Larios street during the partial lockdown as part of a 15-day state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, in Malaga, Spain, on March 15.

Police officers and troops are seen wearing face masks as they stand guard at a checkpoint in the outskirts of Metro Manila, Philippines, on March 15, as authorities began implementing a lockdown in Manila.

A woman has her body temperature checked at an outpatient hospital in Moscow, Russia, on March 14.

A student demonstrates how to wash hands during an awareness campaign about COVID-19 at a school in Chennai, India, on March 14.

A girl leans out of a window to applaud in Milan, Italy, on March 14, as a sign of solidarity in response to calls circulating on social media for people to ''gather'' on their balconies at certain hours, either to play music or to give each other a round of applause.

Firefighters disinfect a street in western Tehran, Iran, on March 13.

The Eiffel Tower is seen next to a board that reads: “In the context of the COVID-19 the Eiffel Tower closes today from 9pm for an indefinite period of time” in Paris, France, on March 13.

People hoping to leave Manila before it is placed on lockdown flock at a bus station in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines, on March 13.

Peru's Alianza Lima and Argentina's Racing Club play the Copa Libertadores match at the Presidente Perón Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 12. The match was played in an empty, closed-door stadium as part of the government's measures to contain transmission of coronavirus.

A misting machine sprays anti-septic solution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at a public school in Marikina, Philippines, on March 13. 

A general view of the pit lane as the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled after a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus in Melbourne, Australia, on March 13.

A nearly deserted view of the Red Fort complex as people avoid crowded places in New Delhi, India, on March 12.

People coming from Venezuela with protective face masks as a precautionary measure to avoid contracting the virus, show their documents on the border at Simon Bolivar International Bridge, in Cucuta, Colombia, on March 12.     

People line up to purchase goods at a downtown Trader Joe's as more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Manhattan, in New York City, New York, U.S. on March 12.   

Customers shop inside a wholesale store as measures were put in due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, in San Salvador, El Salvador, on March 11.

Cleaning crew have their masks wiped down after they come out of Life Care Center of Kirkland in Washington, U.S., on March 11.

Employees from a disinfection service company sanitize a subway car depot amid coronavirus outbreak in Seoul, South Korea, on March 11.

A COVID-19 testing center at the Reactivating the Repat Hospital is seen on March 11 in Adelaide, Australia. Patients book ahead, then arrive and stay in their vehicle and wait to be swabbed by nurses before driving off. Test results are then sent to the patient's GP later.

Chinese President Xi Jinping learns about the hospital's operations, treatment of patients, protection for medical workers and scientific research at the Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China, on March 10.

Palestinian workers disinfect a public park in Gaza City, Gaza, on March 10.

Voters arrive with masks at Warren E. Bow Elementary School in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on March 10.

A health worker sprays disinfectant outside the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 10.

A woman wearing a protective face mask walks on an almost empty street in Yokohama, Japan, on March 10.