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Ireland will close all schools, universities and public offices in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The country will go into lockdown from 6pm tonight with measures currently in place until March 29.

Gatherings of more than 100 people will be banned, with the maximum number of people at outdoor gatherings capped at 500.

Public transport will continue to operate and shops will remain open, however people will be advised to maintain a set distance from one another.

People will also be advised to reduce their social interactions.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar: "We have not witnessed a pandemic of this nature in living memory and this is uncharted territory for us.

"We said we would take the right actions at the right time and we have to move now to have the greatest impact.

"So from 6pm today the following measures are being put in place and they will stay in place until the 29th of March."

He made a live statement to the nation from Washington DC, where he is due to meet President Donald Trump later as part of the annual St Patrick's Day programme of events.

(Image: REUTERS)

The Taoiseach said many more people in Ireland would get the virus and would get sick.

"Unfortunately we must face the tragic reality that some people will die," he said.

Mr Varadkar said he was acting on fresh advice from the country's National Public Health Emergency Team.

"The virus is all over the world, it will continue to spread but it can be slowed," he added.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan previously said: “We are now moving to enhancing our containment measures. Practise everyday preventive actions and consider how to limit your social interactions, avoid indoor, crowded spaces.

“Shaking hands and close personal contact are to be avoided. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Know the symptoms of Covid-19.

“All healthcare workers are being asked to raise their index of suspicion for Covid-19. The HSE will be substantially increasing its contact tracing and surveillance capacity in the coming days.”

(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

In the UK, the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 460 - with eight deaths.

The World Health Organisation has declared that the outbreak is now a global pandemic.

Today, the Prime Minister is expected to switch the government’s coronavirus approach - attempting to delay the peak.

This could see schools closed, sporting events cancelled and people made to work from home wherever possible.

Up to this point the government has focused on trying to contain the virus.

But it is hoped that if steps are taken to postpone its peak until the warmer months, it will ease pressure on an already-stretched NHS.

A COBRA meeting is set to be held this morning, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he will be meeting with opposition leaders to discuss the crisis.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is also set to meet with opposition leaders today to discuss emergency laws which may be brought into place to tackle the crisis.

The Tory cabinet member said: “The best way for us to beat it is for us to work together.”

He told reporters that the meeting will be held “first thing”.

Yesterday the Department for Health confirmed there had been 83 more cases since Tuesday.

The bug has also his cabinet members as Chancellor Rishi Sunak said another member of the cabinet has been forced to self-isolate after health minister Nadine Dorries’ coronavirus diagnosis.