Schools, childcare facilities and colleges to close in south in coronavirus plan

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the announcement this morning (Thursday), in response to advice from National Public Health Emergency Team who met on Wednesday evening in relation to Covid -19 (coronavirus).

Where possible, teaching will take place online and cultural institutions are to close.

It is also advised that indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled. People can continue to work, but where possible, they should work from home.

Shops, cafes and bars will be open and public transport will run but Mr Varadkar said businesses should heed advice on social distancing. Plans are in place to ensure that supply chains will not be interrupted.

In order to reduce unnecessary face to face interaction in the workplace, break times and working times ‘should be staggered and meetings done remotely or by phone.’ The public is also urged to reduce social interactions and follow advice on handwashing.

Arrangements are being made to ensure that everyone entering Ireland through our ports and airports is fully informed and self-isolates if they develop symptoms.

Arrangements are being made to ensure that everyone entering Ireland through ports and airports is fully informed and self-isolates if they develop symptoms.

Me Varadkar said: “ We have not witnessed a pandemic of this nature in living memory. This is unchartered territory. We said we would take the right actions at the right time. We have to move now to have the greatest impact.”

He continued: “Together, we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back. Acting together, as one nation, we can save many lives. Our economy will suffer. It will bounce back. Lost time in school or college will be recovered. In time, our lives will go back to normal.

“Above all, we all need to look out for each other.Ireland is a great nation. And we are great people. We have experienced hardship and struggle before. We have overcome many trials in the past with our determination and our spirit. We will prevail.”