Varadkar asks the Irish to stay away from each other

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar addressed the nation on Tuesday and urged people to stay away from each other to help combat the coronavirus outbreak.

In a downbeat St Patrick's Day message, he said all bars and restaurants should close, and large public gatherings should be cancelled.

"I know these choices won't be easy, but they are necessary," he said.

He said Ireland would experience significant economic damage.

Varadkar urged people to take care of their mental health and to refrain from spending too much time on social media checking on the latest number of coronavirus cases.