Gardaí have been instructed to wear face masks in situations where they cannot maintain social distancing and where they may be in close contact with someone for more than fifteen minutes.
Garda Headquarters said gardaí on duty would wear the masks in enclosed situations such as in patrol cars, public transport, shops or someone's home.
However, the masks are not necessary for open air policing such as foot or bike patrols or on checkpoints. The masks are being distributed this morning.
The Minister for Health Simon Harris also confirmed today that he had signed amended regulations enabling gardaí to enforce when necessary the new restrictions on movement.