Schools, colleges and cultural institutions across the country are set to close over the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Taoiseach made the announcement in Washington this morning, with the measures in place from tonight until March 29th.
He said there will be "many more cases" in Ireland and will continue to spread across the world - and that measures are now needed to try and halt the spread of the virus here.
The measures come into effect from 6pm today, with schools, colleges, childcare facilities and cultural institutions to close from tomorrow.
Schools and colleges to close from tomorrow pic.twitter.com/pLzonugx3y
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) March 12, 2020
He said people should continue to work where they can, but should work from home wherever possible.
Mr Varadkar said: "In order to reduce unnecessary face-to-face interaction in the workplace, break times and working times should be staggered and meetings done remotely or by phone."
People are being advised that indoor mass gatherings of over 100 people and outdoor gatherings of over 500 people should be cancelled.
Public transport will continue to operate, and shops, restaurants and cafés will be allowed to remain open.
However, businesses are being advised to put in place measures to implement advice on public distancing.
He said the economy 'will suffer', but measures are in place to ensure the supply chain is not implemented.
Mr Varadkar said: "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."
