Republic lockdown as schools and colleges set to close

Schools, colleges and childcare facilities in the Republic of Ireland will close to try and contain the spread of coronavirus.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said they will remain closed until March 29th.

Teaching will be done online or remotely and state-run "cultural institutions'' will close.

Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor meetings of more than 500 will be cancelled.

Anyone entering Ireland will be informed of the measures and asked to self-isolate if they are displaying symptoms, the Irish premier added.

Mr Varadkar said: "People should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible.''

Irish deputy premier Simon Coveney said the radical measures will be a lot for the Irish public to take in.

"We are asking Irish people to stay apart,'' he said.

"The days and weeks ahead will be difficult and the government cannot do this on its own.

"The most effective tool is to do everything we can to slow down the spread. Those who are vulnerable are precious.

"It will have a deep impact on people's abilities to do their job.

"We are asking people to continue to work where possible. Those who go to the places of work should limit contact.''