New measures announced to tackle spread of Covid-19

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that from midnight tonight and for a two-week period, everybody must stay at home, except in specific circumstances.

He made the announcement in an update on the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

"Our country is rising to this challenge, and I'm convinced we will prevail," he said.  

 Depity Varadkar asked people to restrict their lives to save the lives of others.

He said that the circumstances include leaving the house for work only when the work is "essential work, social care or other essential service that cannot be done from home."

Farmers are also exempt from the restrictions. 

People are also allowed to leave their home to buy food or household goods, attend medical appointments and vital family reasons. 

Deputy Varadkar also said that people can leave their home for brief physical exercise, but only within 2km of their home.

People must also adhere to physical distancing during this time. 

He stated that during the two week period, all public or private gatherings are prohibited. 

All visits to hospitals and prisons will cease with some exceptions on compassionate grounds.

He said that people over the age of 70 and some vulnerable people must shield or 'cocoon' during the two-week period.