People are being asked to stay away from the Kerry mountains during the coronavirus crisis, as rescue teams may not be able to help them in the event of an accident.
Kerry Mountain Rescue says there has been a surge in the number of people going for hikes since schools, creches and pubs were asked to close.
They're asking people to stay to lowland paths and walkways and to strictly observe social distancing advice.
The team will continue to rescue anyone seriously injured on the mountains, but with only the "absolute minimum" number of volunteers being allowed to assist.
However, the rescue group's public relations officer Colm Burke says there will be some situations where they will not help.
He explained: "We'll do our very best to rescue people from the mountains - that won't change.
"But if you are uninjured or lost... you will be asked to consider waiting until morning and there's better visibility to extricate yourself from the mountain.
"If you're walking wounded - for example if you've hurt a hand or arm in fall, but you're otherwise okay - you'll be asked to consider extricating yourself from the mountain."
The rescue team is also warning that any major evacuation "will be less straightforward" due to the smaller team sizes, noting that the overall time to transport people to medical attention "will be much longer".
Meanwhile, helicopter support will only be requested in the event of a "time critical injury".
They point out that mountain rescue by its very nature involves close contact between a rescuer and injured person, "exposing everyone to the risk of infection".
Kerry Mountain Rescue says the measures are "contrary to everything" they believe in, but are necessary to protect team members and their families during the crisis.
They add that the "mountains will always be there" and the priority now is to stop the spread of COVID-19.
