All schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close in Ireland from tomorrow as part of new COVID-19 prevention measures.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has today announced new measures to curtail the spread of the virus, which is now a global pandemic.
From 6pm this Thursday evening, all schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close until 29th March. All cultural institutions will also close.
The government has announced that all indoor gatherings of more than 100 people will not be permitted and outdoor gatherings of over 500 people should be cancelled.
Mr Varadkar said that workers should continue to go to work and work from home, where possible, and reduce unnecessary face to face contact.
Public transport will continue to operate, shops will remain open and plans and in place to ensure that supply chains will not be interrupted
“We need the public and businesses to take a sensible, level-headed responsible approach during this difficult time,” Mr Varadkar said.
Restaurants and cafes have been advised that they can remain open, but should look to implement public health advice on social distancing.
“As a general rule, outside of work people should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible,” Mr Varadkar said.
Mr Varadkar made the announcement from Washington DC where he is visiting as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Earlier today, US President announced a travel ban on non-US citizens travelling to America from Europe, excluding Ireland and the UK.
