Donald Trump is set to cancel the traditional shamrock ceremony in the White House this afternoon.
It is understood that the White House will be extra cautious and will not allow the hundreds of guests invited into the White House ballroom for the formal reception this evening because of coronavirus fears.
Invitees to the swanky affair in the White House received notice last night that due to an "abundance of caution," the gig is off.
However, a formal presentation of shamrock could still take place, although it might be done in private or in front of a smaller crowd.
Meanwhile, Leo Varadkar has held emergency discussions with senior officials after Donald Trump's shock European travel ban.
The Taoiseach was whisked away halfway through the flashy Ireland Funds gala dinner in Washington DC last night after the President issued a ban from all countries in the Shengen travel area, effective from Friday.
He was brought to another undisclosed location in Washington where his top advisers briefed him.
The Shengen Agreement covers 26 countries and some others nearby, such as Iceland.Ireland and the UK are not part of Shengen and so are believed to be exempt from the new travel ban.
Mr Varadkar is scheduled to be the first EU leader to meet Mr Trump after news of the travel ban broke late last night.
