Ireland’s government has agreed to return the country to the highest level of coronavirus restrictions from midnight on Wednesday.
Cabinet ministers agreed with the measures to contain COVID-19 during a meeting at Government Buildings in Dublin.
It means Ireland will go to Level 5 coronavirus restrictions – the most severe – which had been recommended by health experts to halt the surge in COVID-19 cases.
The new restrictions, which come under the government’s Living with Covid plan, will be in place until 1 December.
Although the Cabinet has agreed to a review of the restrictions after four weeks, the Irish Times reports.
Reports say that the measures will stop short of a full national lockdown – as schools are reportedly set to remain open, and elite-level sports will be allowed to continue.
Although, non-essential retailers and hairdressers will close and pubs and restaurants will only be able to serve takeaways.
Prime Minister Micheal Martin is set to address the nation this evening, with Sky’s Ireland correspondent Stephen Murphy previously describing the measures as a “surprise move”.
According to RTE News, construction will keep going and people will be able to go out to exercise within 5km of their homes.
Outdoor meetings with one other household for things such as exercise, and within the 5km limit, are allowed.
Weddings will remain capped at 25 guests until the end of the year.
A reduction in off-licence opening hours is also reportedly under consideration.
The government is thought to have been influenced by a letter from The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) which suggested a three-week lockdown wouldn’t control the virus for very long.
According to reports, Nphet advised a six-week lockdown would keep the virus at bay for the month of December including Christmas.