Ireland likely to extend economic shutdown

Ireland's chief medical officer does not expect to be in a position to recommend the lifting of severe restrictions on economic activity and the movement of people by April 12.

"At this moment in time, we are not anticipating a recommendation later in the week that we should lift the measures that are in place," Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health told a news briefing on Tuesday.

On March 28, Ireland's prime minister ordered citizens to stay home until April 12 to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, telling them they can only leave to shop for groceries, for brief individual physical exercise or to make absolutely essential family visits.