A localised lockdown is coming into force from midnight for three counties which have seen a surge in coronavirus cases.
People in Kildare, Laois and Offaly will see two-week restrictions.
They are being asked to restrict their movements to within their own county.
And they are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel during that time.
- Pubs and restaurants can operate as takeaway only
- Shops can remain open but must adhere to face covering and social distancing guidelines
- Households should restrict visitors to six people from no more than three other households
- Nursing home visits and visits to prisons are suspended, except on compassionate grounds
- Non-contact sport can take place in groups of no more than 15
- Contact sports are suspended for the two week period
- Those who can work from home should do so
- Amenities - such as cinemas, museums and bingo halls - will be closed
- People who do not live there are being asked not to travel to the three counties, unless it is for work or essential care for a relative
People can only travel within their county, other than for the following reasons:
- to travel to and from work where that work cannot be done from home
- to attend medical appointments, collect medicines and other health products
- for vital family reasons, like providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people - but excluding social family visits
- for farming purposes, such as food production or care of animals
People in the three counties should not use public transport unless it is absolutely necessary to do so - and where possible should not share private vehicles with others from outside their household.
The following services can stay open, with appropriate protective measures in place:
- education and childcare
- outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
Hotels can also remain open, but they must limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons.
Attendance at a funeral service and burial or cremation ceremony should be limited to 25 people outdoors.
Indoor events connected to the funeral are limited to a maximum of six people.
Places of worship will remain open for private prayer, while services are to be held online.
Those aged over-70 or the medically vulnerable are advised to exercise individual judgement - and to stay at home as much as possible.
They should also limit interactions to a very small number for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced.
Family, friends and neighbours can provide assistance with shopping, once they adhere to physical distancing.
