Ireland closes schools until March 29 over COVID-19

Ireland on Thursday announced that all schools and colleges will be closed until March 29 and recommended the cancellation of mass gatherings in an attempt to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

"Schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow," Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.

Indoor events of more than 100 people and outdoor events of over 500 "should be cancelled," he added.