SHUTDOWN: Taoiseach confirms schools and colleges to close from tomorrow, urges people to work from home

Schools, colleges and other public facilities across the country will close from tomorrow and there will be restrictions on public transport as part of a clampdown to combat the spread of Covid-19.

The unprecedented announcement was made today by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Washington, where he is on the St Patrick’s Day visit to the US.

The Taoiseach said the National Public Health Emergency Team met last night and updated its guidelines.

He said for most people the disease will be mild, but for older people and those with underlying conditions the situation is more serious.

Mr Varadkar said there will be many more cases of Covid-19 and we must face the tragic reality that more people will die.

The following measures will come into effect from tomorrow until 29 March:
*Schools colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow;
*Indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled;
*Where it is possible to work remotely people should do so.

Mr Varadkar said we need the public and businesses to take a sensible approach.

The Taoiseach said we will implement all resources, which are substantial but not unlimited, into tackling this crisis.

He said he knows some of this is coming as a shock but acting as one nation, we can save many lives.