‘This is the calm before the storm’ - Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s address to the nation

Stating that this was “a Saint Patrick’s Day like no other” and “a day that none of us will ever forget”, Mr Varadkar said:

“Today’s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday in 2020 that had no parades or parties… but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other. In years to come let them say of us when things were at their worst we were at our best.

“Our country is making big demands of our healthcare staff, big demands of every single one of us. Tonight I want you to know why these actions are being taken and what more needs to be done.

“We are in the midst of a global and national emergency – a pandemic – the likes of which none of us has seen before. So far the number of cases in Ireland has been relatively small. However, we believe that number will rise to 15,000 cases or more by the end of the month and rise further in the weeks thereafter.

“The vast majority of us who contract Covid-19 will experience a mild illness, but some will be hospitalised and sadly some people will die. We cannot stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.

“We can, as you have heard by now – flatten the curve. But only if everyone takes sustained action. Nothing less will do.”

The Taoiseach said that everyone could take steps to reduce close human contact. “That is how the virus is spread. Not just at public gatherings or public places but also in our own homes… places of leisure and work,” he said, adding that the extraordinary measures already taken in the Republic of Ireland are not the end of it.

“More will be required in the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus. At all times we will be guided by and take the expert advice from our Public Health Emergency Team led by the Chief Medical Officer.

“We will always put your life and your health ahead of any other concern. All resources that we have, financial and human, are being deployed to serve this great national effort. We are watching what’s happening around the world and will learn from the experience of other countries affected by Covid-19 before us – what works and what doesn’t.

“We know the best strategies focus on testing… contact tracing and social distancing. So, that is our strategy. We will keep our essential services, supply chains and utilities operating.”

He also admitted that no-one knew when this will be over, but that it “could go on for months into the summer”.

He said there were steps people could take to help the nation. “As you plan your life it will mean avoiding unnecessary journeys. Shopping online from local businesses and getting things delivered rather than physically going to the premises.

“In short – we are asking people to come together as a nation by staying apart from each other. The most basic messages of washing your hands properly and practicing good hygiene around sneezing and coughing are still the most important.

“And, if you have a new cough that isn’t going away or a high temperature… stay at home and phone your doctor. A test will be arranged for you.

“At a certain point, we will advise the elderly and people who have a long-term illness to stay at home for several weeks. We are putting in place the systems to ensure that if you are one of them, you will have food, supplies and are checked on.

We call this ‘cocooning’ and it will save many lives, particularly the most vulnerable, the most precious in our society.”

While stating that this will be hard on families “we need to keep our physical distance to stop the virus”, and suggested people make full use of online tools such as Skype or Facetime.

Amid concerns some young people are not taking the warnings seriously, he said: “To all the young people watching – I know you are bored and probably a bit fed up. You want to see your friends and you might even be wishing you were back at school. You’re going to have to wait a while longer for that. I hope you remember that this time is tough on your parents as well.

“So I’m asking you to ask your parents at least once a day what you can do to help them. Keep up your schoolwork and call your grandparents.

Keep up your schoolwork, all your grandparents and try not to fight with your brothers and sisters.”

And in a tribute to medical staff, shop workers, delivery drivers and journalists, many of them going the extra mile and putting themselves at risk for others, he said: “Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear scrubs and gowns. All of our healthcare workers need us to do the right thing in the weeks ahead.

“Our community services and hospitals are being tooled up. Essential equipment is on the way. Retired staff are returning to service. People are training for changed roles. This is the calm before the storm – before the surge.

“And when it comes – and it will come – never will so many ask so much of so few. We will do all that we can to support them.

“I am also grateful to the many people who have joined this great national effort. Not just our healthcare staff but also our army cadets… librarians and civil servants who are learning how to do contact tracing.

“The early education and childcare workers offering to look after the children of our front line staff so they can go to work.

“The teachers and lecturers finding new innovative ways to teach students on-line and putting together contingency plans for the Leaving Cert and College exams.

“The people who are stocking our shelves every day… and those who are serving customers.

“Our hauliers… who leave their families on a Sunday evening and travel across the continent to ensure that we have the products, medicine and equipment that we need. All who have kept our supply chain moving… we thank them… a different kind of frontline service.

“Our journalists and broadcasters who are helping to inform and educate. All are deserving of our respect and thanks.”

Those who have lost their jobs will receive “income support as quickly and efficiently as possible… and when we are through the worst… we will work as hard as possible to get people back to work and get business open again”.

In a message of solidarity, he added: “To the people of China, Spain and Italy who have suffered untold heartbreak and loss – we are with you.

“To all of those across the world who have lost a loved one to this virus – we are with you. To all those living in the shadow of what is to come – we are with you. Viruses pay no attention to borders… race… nationality or gender. They are the shared enemy of all humanity.

“So it will be the shared enterprise of all humanity that finds a treatment and a vaccine that protects us.

“Tonight I send a message of friendship and of hope from Ireland to everyone around the world this Saint Patrick’s Day. Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona daoibh! Oíche mhaith.”