Confronting Coronavirus

In this episode, we hear from Irish Times digital journalist Glen Murphy who tested positive for Covid-19 just two weeks ago. This was the first case of coronavirus within The Irish Times and led to a complete closure of the office, with all staff asked to work remotely. Despite developing a high fever, persistent cough and a splitting headache, Glen was deemed a “low risk case” and found it difficult to secure a test from the HSE. His parents, who are symptomatic, await test results eight days on. Here, he speaks to Deirdre Veldon about his close contacts who are still awaiting tests and what it’s like being a "statistic in a global pandemic".

Today we talk to Sinead Walsh. Sinead was Ireland's ambassador to Sierra Leone and Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and is currently the EU's ambassador to South Sudan.

South Sudan doesn't yet have its first confirmed case of Coronavirus, but is a country massively reliant on foreign aid. That's coming under threat from Coronavirus outbreaks elsewhere, as flights are cancelled and NGO staff are drawn back.  And the virus is present in the surrounding countries, meaning its arrival there is only a matter of time. With only two ventilators for 12 million inhabitants, South Sudan woefully unprepared.

First: Cliff Taylor on measures announced today by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Then: Denis Staunton on the UK's confused and confusing response to the outbreak.

It has been the most surreal St Patrick's Day most of us can remember. Podcast producer Suzanne Brennan talks to psychologist Mark Smyth about how to handle the anxiety many are experiencing as the Coronavirus outbreak continues and intensifies.

A new daily podcast about the Coronavirus outbreak in Ireland, hosted by Irish Times deputy editor Deirdre Veldon.

It seems certain that the Coronavirus outbreak is going to worsen int he days ahead, and tougher restrictions may be applied to us all as we try to slow down the spread of the virus. But what might that look like, and how should we prepare? Conor Pope explains the facts and debunks some myths.

And health editor Paul Cullen explains testing and contact tracing.

Irish Times deputy editor Deirdre Veldon talks to health editor Paul Cullen.

- Children are off school, but how much freedom should they have?

- A case from the US that tells us a lot about how the virus spreads.

- How the government is reallocating resources to deal with the expected increase in cases over the coming weeks.

A forthcoming podcast that will cover Ireland's response to the Covid-19 outbreak.