The UK's Chief Scientific Adviser has claimed that coronavirus could return every year like seasonal flu and is something 'we can't stop'.
Sir Patrick Vallance said that over time, the public will become more immune to the COVID-19 bug which has claimed thousands of lives all over the world.
He said: "What we don't want is everybody to end up getting it in a short period of time so we swamp and overwhelm health services - that's the flattening of the peak.
He told the Today programme that the Government's approach is about flattening the "broader peak" of the epidemic and developing an immunity among the population.
"You can't stop it, so you should end up with a broader peak during which time you'd anticipate that more people would get immunity to this.
"That in itself becomes a protective part of this process.
"This is quite likely, I think, to become an annual virus, an annual seasonal infection."
There have been 27 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ireland as the country goes into the delay phase of stopping coronavirus.
This brings the total number of cases in Ireland to 90, with 70 in the Republic - the number of cases has almost trebled in two days.
It follows the death of Ireland's first victim, an elderly woman from Naas, Co Kildare, who had been treated in hospital for several days.
It's understood that the woman had an underlying medical condition after presenting with respiratory problems.
It was announced earlier today by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that from 6pm this evening all schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close until March 29.
It has also been advised that all businesses allow staff to work from home if possible.
Shops will remain open throughout the delay phase - with the Government advising the country not to panic buy items as shelves will be stocked as normal.
