Schools in Northern Ireland will close from Monday due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The 'unprecedented' decision comes after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced school and college closures for the Republic last Thursday.
Speaking today, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “Today we have agreed that all schools will close to pupils from Monday 23 March.
"The societal and economic impact will be enormous...This is unprecedented.”
Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill, added: "This virus has changed everything. It cannot be business as usual.
"It really does your heart good when you see the depth of community spirit out there.
"I was to thank everyone for all the steps they have taken to look after their loved ones and communities to date.
“Reach out, reassure and support one another. We need to come together like we have never ever done before.”
It comes after six new cases were confirmed in the north today, brining the total there to 68, and the total on the island of Ireland to 360.
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