Gardaí have been given new powers to enforce COVID-19 restrictions around the country.

Officers will now have the power to force people to return home - with those found the be breaking the rules facing a fine or a prison term.

Up until now they could only advise the public what to do.

The death toll in the Republic has risen to 210, after 36 further COVID-19 patients were confirmed dead yesterday.

The number of confirmed cases has risen by 345 to 5,709.

Chief Medical Officer Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan at the nightly COVID-19 statement in the Department of Health, Dublin, 07-04-2020. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan said it is time to “double down” on the restrictions in order to protect people.

“[We need] to really ensure we can get the most out of the restrictions that are in place in terms of the extent to which we can interrupt transmission of this virus,” he said.

“As I have said before, that is about protecting individuals in the population and it is about, in particular, protecting vulnerable communities.

“Although it is a significant ask, we are still making that ask of people and we continue to need cooperation from people.”

Minister for Health Simon Harris at a COVID-19 briefing, 04-04-2020. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

The number of new cases grew by 6% in Ireland yesterday – the lowest daily growth rate in the past month.

However, Health Minister Simon Harris is warning people not to drop their guard - or the curve will reverse.

“We are making some progress in this country as result of the measures that are in place,” he said.

“We have seen some encouraging signs in relation to the rate of growth of new cases and I am a little bit concerned being very honest that because we are making some progress that people think we can in some way be a little bit complacent.

“We absolutely can’t. the amazing progress could easily be undone.”

He signed the regulations last night after a meeting involving the Taoiseach, Justice Minister, Garda Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer and Attorney General at Government Buildings this evening.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris delivering an update on the COVID-19 lockdown, 28-03-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said officers will only use the new powers “sparingly and only if needed.”

Gardaí are today launching a major operation aimed at encouraging people not to travel over the upcoming Easter weekend.

The operation will see patrols and checkpoints stepped up across the country.

It will focus on routes out of towns and cities and those towards weekend hot-spots like beaches and parks.

Yesterday, the government and health officials urged people not to travel to holiday destinations.

Flights and ferries continue to operate in and out of the country.