A total of 22 cases are associated with local transmission, two are associated with community transmission, and three are associated with travel. Three of these new cases are in intensive care units (ICU), bringing the total patients currently in ICU to six.
There is one confirmed death of COVID-19 in Ireland, with 70 confirmed cases.
Uncertain
SLA president Robert Baker said yesterday that the weeks ahead would be challenging and uncertain.
“Notwithstanding the closure of schools, colleges and childcare institutions, the Government has recommended that people should continue to work, but do so remotely where possible,” he said.
While remote working is feasible for certain persons and industries, for many it is neither possible nor practical, the SLA president said.
Certain practitioners will be capable of full remote operations, and others will have no capability at all in this regard.
Robert Baker said that the uncertainty ahead will have many repercussions. “The day-to-day operation of law firms throughout the country will be compromised in some manner. In all likelihood, deadlines will be missed, loan cheques might issue later than planned, closings may be delayed, and cases may have to be adjourned.
Steps
“Certain small steps can be taken by each of us to attempt to reduce interpersonal contact and minimise business disruption, for example sending correspondence by email rather than by post.
“I would ask all colleagues to bear in mind that we will all be facing similar difficulties, and more than ever, collegiality is of paramount importance – offer to assist colleagues wherever possible.”
WRC hearings cancelled
From 6pm this evening (12 March), the Workplace Relations Commission has postponed all adjudication hearings, conciliation meetings, face-to-face mediations, and on-site inspections until 29 March.
All affected parties will be contacted by the WRC.