*FILE PHOTO: Lahinch, Photograph: Martin Connolly An increased amount of visitors to parts of West Clare in the past week have prompted local representatives to seek the enforcement of closed public car parks to minimise crowds that are potentially spreading coronavirus.
*Members of Los Paddys performing in Lahinch. Photograph: Olga Tamášová A Clare band have been accused of bringing coronavirus to Santiago as they find themselves in desperate need of a return trip home.
One Clare man who presented with coronavirus symptoms in the wake of a family member travelling to Northern Italy has expressed his frustration with not being tested for the virus.
In the first county by county breakdown of coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland, it has been confirmed that there are roughly five cases in Co Clare.
*Leo Varadkar. Photograph: Martin Connolly Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) has warned that measures in place aimed at slowing down the spread of coronavirus could last until the summer months.
*Sky Court Shopping Centre in Shannon. Photograph: John Mangan Concessions including the approval of a rates reduction is being sought for Clare businesses.
*Ennistymon. Photograph: Martin Connolly There has been a “relatively easonable” short-term impact on business in Clare since the outbreak of coronavirus however the long-term effect “has the potential to be as catastrophic for business as the Lehman collapse,” one hotelier has warned.
One health care professional was among the first four confirmed coronavirus cases in Clare and further frontline staff are expected to be diagnosed over the coming weeks posing major challenges for the Irish health service.
Elected local representatives have blasted the public commentary aimed at one Clare family since they were diagnosed with the coronavirus last week.
*PHOTO: John Mangan Schools, colleges and cultural institutions in Clare and across the country are to close from 6pm today along with several outdoor events.
