"An immediate lockdown would have a damaging impact."
That's according to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin who confirmed tonight that the entire country would be put into Level 3 restrictions of the governments 'Living With Covid' plan.
There's also to be a renewed focus on enforcement of the regulations in a bid to bring down the spread of the virus.
The entire country will enter Level 3 from midnight tomorrow until the 27th of October.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "The road ahead will continue to have many turns. If we all act now, we can stop the need to go forward in introducing further Level Four and Level Five restrictions."
Level 3
- People are being asked to stay in their own county unless it is for work or an essential trip
- People need to reduce their social contacts. One person from one other household and no more than six people allowed
- No indoor organised gatherings should take place. Outdoor gatherings permitted but no more than 15 people should attend an outdoor gathering
- Shops and shopping centres will remain open
- Pubs, cafés and restaurants can remain open for takeaway. Maxium of 15 people allowed outside only
- 25 mourners will be allowed at funerals
- 25 guests can attend a wedding
- People should work from home if possible
- Schools and childcare facilities will remain open
- Religious services will be held online only
Greater Garda enforcement of the restrictions on movement county to county is expected to be put in place.
A full list of Level 3 restrictions is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/
