Leo Varadkar has just announced that schools, colleges and public institutions are to close.
It's the most drastic measure the government has made so far over the Coronavirus.
So they will close from 6pm today until the 29th of March.
Leo Varadkar said: "It's going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives, and I know that I'm asking people to make enormous sacrifices."
While he added that public gatherings of over 100 people indoors, and 500 people outdoors will be cancelled.
Speaking from the United States, where Donald Trump has imposed a travel ban on Europe minus Ireland and the UK, the Taoiseach said public transport will continue to run and supermarkets will remain open.
Above all, he stressed that we should limit social contact and protect ourselves and each other.
Healthcare workers have been at the forefront of this crisis since it started. They will be at the frontline of the crisis in the time ahead. We must do all we can to help them, so they can help those who need help the most.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 12, 2020
Health Minister Asks People To Heed Advice
Speaking after Leo Varadkar, Health Minister Simon Harris stressed that people need to take the advice coming from professionals.
"We have made it clear that we will always take the right measures at the right time and for the right length of time."
"This morning is that time."
"Today we have moved to the delay phase of Covid-19."
Do NOT Panic Buy - Humphreys
Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Business has urged the public not to panic buy groceries.
"I met with the reatilers and I met with the distributors and they have assured me that there is sufficient [stock] in the supply chain."
"If people go out and buy products that they don't need to stockpile them, they're going to cause a problem."
"So I would say there's no need to do that, there's quite sufficient [stock] in the supply chain."
However that advice hasn't been heeded by all.
School Closures "Timely and Welcome"
Reacting to the news, the INTO General Secretary John Boyle said school closures will be challenging.
“This important and timely decision, in light of a growing public health crisis, is welcome."
"INTO will be attending a briefing with the Department of Education and Skills this afternoon."
"I know our members will all rise to the challenge we face, in the proudest tradition of our profession, as we grapple with this unprecedented public health crisis."
Statement from the Department of Education and Skills. All schools, pre-schools, further and higher education settings closed from 6pm this evening until 29 March. https://t.co/oXXmhjhD8g
— Department of Education (@Education_Ire) March 12, 2020
3Arena Says Gigs Will Be Rescheduled
Meanwhile the 3 Arena is working to reschedule any concerts and events affected by the government's coronarvirus instructions.
The Who, Elbow and Santana were set to perform in the next couple of days.
Therefore venue bosses have cancelled all of those concerts, as well as others scheduled between now and March 29th.
The 3 Arena says all original tickets purchased will remain valid for rescheduled dates.
COVID-19 Statement.
For more info https://t.co/nDP9GPKEMi pic.twitter.com/qxm2IXcAWq— 3Arena (@3ArenaDublin) March 12, 2020
While Ireland's first death from the Coronavirus was confirmed by the Department of Health yesterday.
More as we get it...
