Covid-19 restrictions to be extended until Sunday 19 April with further restrictions announced
Taoiseach says all restrictions that were announced in Washington DC are extended until Sunday 19 April.
He says that more needs to be done to "flatten the curve", asks people to stay at home as it is the best way to slow the coronavirus.
He advised people to only leave home for essential reasons such as going to work or going to shops for supplies.
Mr Varadkar also said that non-essential indoor visits should be avoided.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Varadkar said that no unnecessary travel should take place in the country or overseas.
He said that from midnight theatres, clubs, gyms, hairdressers, libraries and other similar outlets are to shut.
He said all cafes and restaurants should limit supply to takeaways only.
Leo Varadkar said that all hotels are to limit occupancy to "essential non-social and non-tourist reasons".
He said that all non-essential retail outlets will close to members of the public, and other retail outlets are to implement physical distancing.
He said that all sporting events are cancelled including those behind closed doors.
The following restrictions can be seen below
The Taosieach said that social gatherings of no more than four people are allowed - unless all are from the same household.
The Taoiseach said that the impact on the economy and employment due to the Covid-19 outbreak will be enormous.
Leo Varadkar said that the Covid-19 unemployment payment will be raised to €350 per week and the Covid-19 self isolation payment will also be increased to €350.
He said a subsidy of €410 will be available for a wage subsidy scheme.
Mr Varadkar said that the cost of all this will be great and that maintaining a link between employees and companies will help to bounce back. He said the self employed will also be covered.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the press conference that private hospitals are to act as part of the public hospital system during the Covid-19 emergency
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the press conference that there will be an increased presence of park rangers and gardaí in parks and public places to "ensure physical distancing is being observed".
He said that new powers afforded to gardaí will be used "sparingly and only when necessary".
"Let's all play our part and ensure they are not used at all," he said.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said that now is the time to do more, and the coronavirus knows no boundaries.
He said patients with Covid-19 will be treated for free as part of a single national services with no public and private. He said the State will take control of private hospitals for the duration of the emergency.