The public is being urged not to panic-buy today as the two-week lockdown begins in Ireland.
With reports of long queues and bulk-buying at supermarkets last night and today, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is reminding people that there is “no need to do all shopping or stockpile this morning”.
Travel is permitted over the next two weeks for shopping for food or household goods, attending medical appointments, brief exercise and essential work.
After the announcement of lockdown measures last night, Mr Varadkar took to social media today to remind the public that food stores and takeaways will be staying open.
He also clarified that people can travel more than 2km from their home if shops are located further than this distance.
Mr Varadkar tweeted: “The 2km is about exercising locally. You can go beyond the 2km to buy food and medicines.
“The supplies are good. We all have a part to play in rising to this challenge.”