Empty streets in Dublin amid lockdown measures

Dublin's streets were empty on Saturday as Ireland's government imposed lockdown measures to combat the spread of the new coronavirus. Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has asked residents to stay in their homes until 12 April unless they are buying food, going to medical appointments and collecting medication, or getting exercise.

In addition, all shops except for those providing essential services such as food or medical supplies have been told to close.

Police were on the streets in Dublin on Saturday to check people were following the government regulations.

Ireland's Health Minister Simon Harris told UK broadcaster Sky that he's hoping by 12th April the regulations will have eased pressure on Ireland's intensive care units which have been busy amid the crisis.

According to Johns Hopkins University Ireland has more than 2,000 cases of the new virus, with 22 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.