Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed that schools will not be reopening in the short term as efforts continue to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking on GalwayBay FM, Mr McHugh said that schools will not be opening immediately after 29 March and he said there should be confirmation today or tomorrow of the extension of the school closures.

Speaking about the State exams, the minister said that he and his department "really want to make those exams happen".

Mr McHugh said they owed it to young people to "see this through and try to have the exams this year".

He said by that he meant "the dates that are defined for this year" and said his department was working towards this.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Thursday 12 March that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities would close in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Remember around 80% of cases of Covid-19 will be a mild to moderate illness, close to 14% have severe disease and around 6% are critical.

Generally, you need to be 15 minutes or more in the vicinity of an infected person, within 1-2 metres, to be considered at-risk or a close contact.

The European Union's decision-making process is being sorely tested by videoconferencing during the coronavirus pandemic, EU officials say,with one calling it a "catastrophe".

A virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers yesterday was punctuated by technical problems, speakers who were unsure if they could be heard and a lack of translators.

"These video conferences don't work very well, there are tech problems and the 'Hello, can you hear me?' interruptions," said a senior diplomat present at the video link.

"So people read out their prepared notes mostly. There is little scope for actual negotiations."

"It's a testing time for Europe. There are no summits, no ministerial meetings, less visibility," the diplomat said.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet this week to consider if further restrictions are required if people do not heed advice about social distancing to try to fight Covid-19.

Among the measures that may have to be included are restrictions in areas such as beaches, parks and mountain walking trails.

Around 80% of cases of Covid-19 will be a mild to moderate illness, close to 14% have severe disease and around 6% are critical.

Generally, you need to be 15 minutes or more in the vicinity of an infected person, within 1-2 metres, to be considered at-risk or a close contact.

Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse have confirmed that all stores (16 Currys and 82 Carphone Warehouse) across Ireland are to close until further notice.

Online sales will continue.

Retail industry body Retail Excellence has urged its members to use their common sense and abide by expected advice from the Government over the shutting of non-essential sector services.

In a statement it said that grocery retailers with multiple departments should shut all textiles, clothing and homeware departments and prioritise food.

It added: "Non-essential retailers such as consumer electronics will continue online but might have a phone number available to provide an emergency order and curb side delivery service of an essential item, such as a cooker or fridge to an elderly member of society.

"All commerce, whether essential or non-essential warehouse work, must be conducted within the clear distancing and other health and safety protocols."