Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a whole host of restrictions for Ireland on Thursday morning as the country tackles the coronavirus threat.

His speech made in Washington DC shortly after 11am warned the Irish public that there would be more cases and that we must be prepared for more deaths.  

Here is what was announced today.

The closure measures will be in force from 6pm on Thursday, March 11 until Sunday, March 29.

  • All schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close
  • Cultural institutions, like museums, will close as well
  • Teaching will be done online or remotely, where possible
  • All indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
  • People should work from home if possible but they can still go to work - however break times and working times should be staggered and meetings done remotely, or by phone

What is the Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause respiratory infections. There are seven known strains that can infect humans, including the new virus detected in China.

They range in how serious they are, with some causing a common cold, and others causing pneumonia.

To date, the most famous coronavirus is the SARS virus, which has a mortality rate of between 9% and 50%, depending on the age of the patient.

Under a microscope, coronaviruses have a crown shape, which is where they get their name - 'corona' means crown in Latin.

What are the symptoms of the China coronavirus?

Health officials in China have reported that early symptoms of the new coronavirus include a high fever, shortness of breath, coughing and tightness of the chest.

It causes viral pneumonia, and in severe cases it has led to kidney failure and death.

People with weakened immune systems, babies and the elderly are particularly susceptible to coronaviruses.

Is it contagious?

While authorities initially believed that every single case of the new coronavirus was linked to the seafood market in Wuhan, China's National Health Commission has now confirmed that the disease can spread from person to person.

At least two people have caught the new coronavirus from family members, and it's believed that health workers have also been infected.

Coronaviruses are typically spread through the air, with infected people coughing or sneezing, or by close personal contact, such as shaking hands.

It's also possible to be infected by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

Is it fatal?

Numerous people have died of the coronavirus, although most are thought to have had pre-existing medical conditions.

Is there a treatment for coronavirus?

As the coronavirus is a virus, there is no treatment.

Patients can be given pain medication to relieve the symptoms, but the virus will not respond to antibiotics.

  • Ports and airports will NOT close but those passing through will be fully informed and told to self isolate if they are showing symptoms
  • Public transport will continue to operate
  • Shops, restaurants and cafes will remain open, "but should look at ways they can implement public health advice on social distancing"
  • "As a general rule, outside of work people should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible"
  • Everyone should continue washing their hands, coughing or sneezing into their elbows or a tissue and seek medical advice if they have symptoms