The Taoiseach says around half the population could be infected with COVID-19.
Speaking last night at a Department of Health briefing, Leo Varadkar said the HSE wants to avoid a spike that could overwhelm the health service.
54 new cases of coronavirus were also confirmed in the Republic bringing the total number to 223.
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Gardaí are setting up a full-time public order unit to patrol at risk locations and to ensure the maintenance of law and order amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unit will be comprised of 100 gardaí, sergeants and inspectors, working a two-rota system of 12-hour shifts.
The force hopes to have them deployed by tomorrow afternoon.
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Donald Trump's ban on travel between European countries and the US, extended to include Ireland, came unto effect in the early hours of this morning.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has proposed a ban on non-essential travel to the EU for a period of at least 30 days.
France is beginning a 15-day lockdown and President Emmanuel Macron has warned that violations of it would be punished.
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A man in his 30s has died after a hit-and-run in Cork in the early hours of the morning.
It happened shortly before 2am on the N25 near Cobh Cross, Tullagreine, Carrigtwohill.
There's no description of the vehicle which failed to remain at the scene, but it's believed it was travelling westbound at the time of the collision.
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The 'Global Greening' for St Patrick's Day is going ahead despite the cancellation of parades and celebrations around the world.
The event, which started at Sydney Opera House ten years ago, sees buildings and tourist attractions turn green in honour of our national day.
This year, the London Eye, Niagara Falls and the 'Welcome' sign in Las Vegas are among the sites taking part in over 50 countries.
