The virus was officially declared a pandemic yesterday.

MCD Productions have cancelled all of their major events in Ireland due to coronavirus. They issued a statement this afternoon saying that all indoor events of more than 100 people and outdoor events of more than 500 people from 6pm today (March 12) to March 29 will not go ahead as planned. All tickets will remain valid for rescheduled dates. "MCD Productions is currently working with artists and venues to reschedule all dates," they said in a statement. https://twitter.com/mcd_productions/status/1238085200543985665?s=20 "Original tickets purchased for all affected events will remain valid for rescheduled dates which will be notified to patrons on confirmation. "MCD Productions wish to thank all our customers and staff for their continued co-operation and understanding during this unprecedented time in the interests of health and welfare of all." This comes as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar issued an updated advisement amid the Covid-19 pandemic today. From 6pm today, the following measures will be put in place and will remain so until March 29:

• Colleges, schools and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow and where possible, teaching will be done online. Cultural institutions will also close.
• Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
• People entering Ireland via airports should self-isolate if they develop symptoms
• People can continue to go to work but where possible, should work from home

Public transport will continue to operate and shops will remain open. Restaurants, cafés, and bars can stay open but should look at ways to implement social distancing where possible. You can find out more about how best to practice good social distancing here.  You can familiarise yourself with the HSE's guidelines on the Coronavirus here.