The Taoiseach has announced a significant new suite of measures in order to slow the spread of the Coronavirus in Ireland.
Group gatherings of four people are more are now banned, unless from the same household.
Sporting events, even those held behind closed doors, have all been cancelled with immediate effect.
All theatres, clubs, hairdressers, marts, etc are to shut, with only essential businesses – in other words, those that provide food and basic supplies – to remain open.
Hotels have also been asked to restrict capacity significantly, with any non-essential guests to be banned.
All playgrounds and holiday parks are also to close.
Companies can benefit from 70% back from the government if they keep people employed and pay the other 30%.
This will be capped at €38,000 salary a year or €410 a week from the government.
Constructions sites and factories are not obliged to close but physical distancing will be enforced.
The COVID emergency payment is to be increased to €350 a week, as will illness benefit with the chance for companies to top that up further.
Meanwhile, private hospitals will work as public hospitals which should add 2,000 beds.
Leo Varadkar has asked that people stay at home where possible and to avoid any non-essential visits to other households.
He also says that the Gardaí will have increased interventions where necessary, adding that he hopes this will not be needed.
More as it develops…
