Update 16:30:
All St Patrick's Day parades are to be cancelled after a cabinet sub committee meeting this afternoon.
The government has also approved a large financial package to respond to the spread of the Coronavirus.
A large amount of that money will be set aside to provide sick pay supports for people who have to self-isolate.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been briefing opposition leaders this afternoon after meeting key Ministers and officials.
14:50: The Dublin St Patrick's Day parade is to be called off after a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on the Coronavirus.
Opposition leaders are being briefed this afternoon on the state of play when it comes to managing the virus.
Employers groups will also be briefed later on sick pay for those who are forced to self-isolate because of COVID-19.
The Taoiseach has also cut short his annual trip to the US to stay in Ireland tomorrow before traveling to the White House on Wednesday.
Cork city's St Patrick's Day parade has already been called off.
Earlier today: Several St.Patrick's Day parades have been cancelled in a bid to stop the spread of the Coronavirus in Ireland.
Communities in Tipperary, Wicklow, Cork and Kildare have made the decision to cancel the annual event due to Covid-19.
Many smaller parades across the country have already been called off, including three parades in the South East in Cappoquin, Dungarvan and Templemore.
A decision for all St. Patrick's Day parades will be made in the next 24-48 hours.
According to the Irish Times, the parade in Minister for Health Simon Harris' hometown, Greystones, has been stopped due a decision made by the St. Patrick's Day committee and the Greystones municipal district.
Speaking to the Irish Times, Cllr Tom Fortune said “The decision was taken because we felt we should be proactive rather than reactive. We felt it was only right that we protect people who would be vulnerable to the virus.”
It follows the decision by hospitals across the South East to implement restrictions.
Wexford General Hospital and St Luke's Hospital have introduced restrictions today, with such restrictions already in place in South Tipperary General and University Hospital Waterford.
Beat is aware of the following St. Patrick's Day parade cancellations:
- Cork City
- Youghal, Cobh, Midleton, Bantry, Blarney and Whitegate in Co. Cork
- Cappoquin and Dungarvan in Co. Waterford
- Greystones and Newtown in Co. Wicklow
- Templemore, Co. Tipperary
- Sligo Town, Co. Sligo
