Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced on Thursday that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from Friday until March 29.

Photo: AFP

Varadkar said the measures are to combat the spread of COVID-19. He also said indoor mass gathering of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people should also be cancelled, and those who are able to work remotely should do so.

Ireland has seen 43 confirmed cases as of March 11. One elderly woman died in Dublin on Thursday, becoming the country's first death linked to COVID-19.