The Government has established a new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment as many businesses close their doors around the country.
The payment is available to all employees and self-employed people who have lost their income because of the outbreak.
The fund will be available through a one-page application on the Department of Social Protection website.
There is no need for anyone to visit department or Intreo offices to access the payment.
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Forty new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed yesterday in the Republic.
It was the biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases for the second day in a row.
169 people have now tested positive in the South -- with a further 45 in Northern Ireland bringing the total on the island to 215.
Health Minister Simon Harris there will be a call to action for volunteers to help out across the country this week.
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There are now nearly 170,000 confirmed cases of the virus around the world, just under half in Mainland China.
Just over 6,500 people have died.
Italy is the second worst affected country, with nearly 25,000 cases and over 1,800 deaths.
In the US, major cities like New York and LA are on lockdown – with many businesses ordered to close to contain the virus.
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In Ireland, some GPs will be cancelling their normal surgeries today, with many of them expecting a surge in calls over coronavirus.
From today, doctors will be able to order COVID-19 tests for their patients through an online system.
The tests will take place at a community level at testing centre being established by the HSE.
Anyone waiting for test results or experiencing symptoms is asked to self-isolate.
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Legal proceedings are being launched by a parent against Northern Ireland's decision to not close schools.
The Departments of Health and Education will be subject of a legal challenge surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak.
The child has severe asthma and other underlying health problems - with her mother saying she could be harmed by attending school.
Solicitor Darragh Mackin told Newstalk the child would not be at risk if she was born in the Republic of Ireland.
