THE Government has stepped up its measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, after An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a statement from Washington DC this morning.

From 6pm today until March 29 the following measure are being put in place.

Schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow and where possible, teaching will be done online or remotely.

Cultural institutions will close. All indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people are cancelled.

People can continue to go to work, but where possible people should work from home. Public transport will remain open and shops will continue to operate and the supply lines will not be interrupted.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain open but should adhere to health advice on social distancing. As a general rule, outside of work, people should limit social interaction.