Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said from midnight tomorrow, all parts of the country will move to Level 3 restrictions. "Severe restrictions now would have a very serious impact on businesses and vital health services.
It would involve the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs," he said. Mr Martin said there is no doubt "some people" are taking a more lax attitude about complying with restrictions while most are adhering to the advice.
In the coming days, the government will explain how it will encourage greater compliance. "The road ahead will continue to have many turns and will challenge us in new ways. "This is about protecting lives and livelihoods.