Schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close from 6pm on Thursday, March 12, in response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Taoiseach has announced.

Speaking in Washington, where he is visiting as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that these restrictions will remain in place until March 29.

People have been advised that they can continue going to work, but if they can work remotely, to do so.

Cultural institutions are to close also, while indoor gatherings of more than 100 people will be cancelled. Outdoor gatherings involving more than 500 people wil also be cancelled.

Shops, restaurants and cafes can stay open, however people are being asked to minimise social interaction as much as possible.

There are now 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, after nine new cases were announced on Wednesday, including six cases in the south and three cases in the east. All of these cases are associated with travel or contact with a confirmed case.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the first death relating to COVID-19 had occurred in Ireland. The female in the east was older and had an underlying illness.

Also on Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the spread of COVID-19 can now be declared a pandemic. A pandemic refers to the worldwide spread of a new disease. So far, over 118,000 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in 114 countries worldwide. More than 4,200 people have died.

The WHO said it is "deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction" in some areas.

Covid-19 is spread through close contact with an infected person's body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing), or by touching surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of the virus to show. These may include a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and fever (high temperature).

COVID-19 can also cause more severe illnesses, including pneumonia and severe breathing difficulties.

Everyone is asked to follow public health advice, including the following protective measures:
-Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
-Maintain at least one metre (three feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
-Practice cough and sneeze hygiene - covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.

Anyone who has been to an affected region (mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran and northern Italy) in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms, should self-isolate and call their GP.

Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms should immediately self-isolate and call their GP.

For more information on COVID-19, click here or here.