The Irish Cancer Society has welcomed the Government’s call for all pubs to close until at least March 29th.

CEO Averil Power said the news will come as a big relief to people with cancer and others at greatest risk from the coronavirus.

“If you’re young and healthy, your individual risk from the virus appears to be low. But for every healthy person who catches the virus, the risk to cancer patients and other vulnerable groups increases,” she said.

“These people are our family members, our friends, our colleagues and our neighbours. Every one of us must step up and play our part in protecting them.

“Limit your social interactions as much as possible. Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene. Employ social distancing. By doing so, you can protect not only yourself but also those who are at much greater risk than you,” she concluded.