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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has urged everyone to stay at home to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking at a Government briefing in Dublin, he said: "We believe we need to do more to flatten the curve.

"People should stay at home if at all possible - this is the best way to slow the virus."

He added that all restrictions that were announced in Washington DC are extended until Sunday 19 April.

Leo advised people to only leave their homes for essential reasons such as going to work or to the shops for supplies.

Varadkar said that non-essential visits should be avoided.

Varadkar said all cafes and restaurants should limit supply to takeaway only.

Among the measures announced by Mr Varadkar are that all theatres, clubs, bingo halls and non-essential retail should close.

All sporting events, even those behind closed doors, are cancelled.

Varadkar confirmed the Government is to increase the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Support payment for people who have been laid off due to the virus from 203 euro to 350 euro.

The payment will also apply to the self-employed who are affected by Covid-19.

An emergency wage subsidy scheme under which the Government will pay 70% of a worker's salary up to a cap of 410 euro per week net - equivalent to the after-tax income of a worker on around 40,000 euro.

Mr Varadkar said all gatherings outdoors are limited to a maximum of four people but not in the case of families.

He said more park rangers will be present to ensure social distancing measures are complied with.

Gardai will "increase interventions" to ensure compliance with the measures but such interventions will be used "sparingly", he said.