Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has begun a major announcement from Washington DC on Ireland’s coronavirus response. 
"For the past few weeks the government and our public service, have been focused on dealing with the impact of this virus. And that time we've taken several important and unprecedented measures to protect public health."
BREAKING: Taoiseach orders school, colleges and childcare facilities to close from 6pm today and all mass gatherings over 100 to be cancelled to prevent spread of coronavirus.
"Our advice is that all indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people, and outdoor mass gatherings, more than 500 people should be cancelled."
"You should continue to go to work if you can, but where possible you should work from home. and in order to reduce unnecessary face to face interaction in the workplace, break times and working time should be staggered. and meetings done remotely, or by phone."
"Public transport will continue to operate, the shops will remain open."
“We need public and businesses to take a sensible level headed, and responsible approach during this difficult time, restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open, but should look at ways as they can implement public health advice on social distancing."
"Outside of work people should seek to reduce self interactions as much as possible. You can all play your part by hand washing coughing and sneezing into your elbow or tissue and seeking medical advice if you develop symptoms. This is now more important than ever."
“I know that some of this is coming as a real shock. And it's going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives. And I know that I'm asking people to make enormous sacrifices. But we're doing it for each other.”
"Together we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back, acting together as one nation we can save many lives. Our economy will suffer but it will bounce back. Lost time and school or college will be recovered. And in time, our lives will go back to normal."
