There are 54 new cases of coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases to 223.
The significant increase was expected due to a surge in testing.
The new cases include 30 males and 24 females.
41 are in east of the country, 11 in the south and 2 in the north/west.
Speaking earlier at a news conference from the Cabinet Covid-19 sub-committee, the Taoiseach said we can expect a 30% increase in coronavirus cases every day.
This could mean over 10,000 cases diagnosed here by the end of this month.
Leo Varadkar said the country has secured more ventilators as some people will require ICU care.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said "a massive national recruitment campaign" will be launched tomorrow.
He appealed to retired healthcare professionals to step forward.
It was announced that emergency legislation will be put through the Dáil to limit mass gatherings.
Meanwhile, the National Public Health Emergency Team is urging all Irish citizens not to travel overseas.
Speaking at the press conference, Tánaiste Simon Coveney recommended that all Irish residents be advised against all non-essential travel overseas, including the UK, until March 29th.
He said they will continue to bring large numbers of people home. He said they don't want Irish people to be stranded.
However, restrictions will be imposed on people arriving here. They'll be asked to restrict their movements for up to two weeks.
The Taoiseach said there will be significant consequences to the economy, with businesses shutting down and people losing their jobs.
He said the Minster for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, will meet with the banks about deferring loans and ask for forebearance from banks for those struggling.
He added that social welfare income supports will be there for people, whether you're employed or self-employed.
