Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the country's schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

From 6pm today, schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close.

In relation to cultural institutions, indoor gatherings of more than 100 people will not be permitted and a maximum outdoor gathering of 500 people will be allowed. The restrictions will stay in place until 29 March.

Where it is possible to work remotely people should do so, he said, adding that we need the public and businesses to take a sensible approach to coronavirus.

Mr Varadkar made the announcement in Washington DC where he is visiting as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations, much of which have been cancelled in light of coronavirus.

He said the national health emergency team met last night and issued new advice that the Government is acting on today.

He said that the virus is spreading and we must accept there will be new cases and face the tragic reality that many more people will die.

Mr Varadkar said we have not witnessed a pandemic of this nature in living memory and acting now will have the greatest impact.

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.

He said that the Government has always said it would act on the advice of public health experts and the measures been taken today are considered and proportionate.

He said our emergency team has recommended that we should close all schools, créches and third-level institutions from tomorrow.

He said we must reduce our social contacts to help slow the spread of the virus.