Taoiseach announces further Covid-19 emergency public health measures that include staying within two kilometres of where you live.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlines additional restrictions which will be in place for the next two weeks. The measures are being introduced to try and curb the spread of COVID-19.
From midnight tonight and for a two-week period, everyone must stay at home, except in specific circumstances. People will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential work, to buy food, attend medical appointments or for vital family reasons.
It will be possible to leave your house for exercise, but everyone must keep to within a two kilometre radius of home and maintain social distancing.
Shielding or cocooning will be introduced for all those over seventy years of age.
The decision to increase restrictions was made following the latest advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan says now is the time to step up actions to,
Suppress the transmission of this virus as much as is possible.
In the Seanad, the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill passed all stages without a vote.
Legislation providing regulations and income supports aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing its economic impact was signed into law tonight by President Michael D Higgins.
An RTE News report broadcast on 27 March 2020. The reporter is Fergal O'Brien.
