The government has tonight agreed to move Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan to Level 4 to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The new restrictions come into force from midnight tomorrow night (Thursday).
Level 4 will be in place for the three border counties until 10th November.
The government has also introduced further restrictions for the rest of the country, including no visitors to your home or garden.
What restrictions are included in Level Four?
The priority at Level 4 is to keep schools and childcare services open, while keeping people safe.
Only businesses and services which are essential will be open.
No visitors to private homes or social gatherings will be allowed.
All businesses and services will be closed, other than those deemed to be essential.
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden
You can mix with your own household only. – no visitors.
Other settings outside your home or garden
No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.
Weddings
Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Organised indoor gatherings
No organised indoor gatherings should take place. For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).
Organised outdoor gatherings
Gatherings of up to 15 people can take place outdoors. For example: outdoor arts events or training events.
Exercise and sporting events
Training
Outdoors: Non-contact training can take place but only in pods of up to 15.
Indoors: Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes can take place.
Matches and events
No matches or events to take place.
Exemption: Professional and elite sport/inter-county/horse-racing can take place behind closed doors.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals
Up to 25 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All venues closed.
Online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery. No indoor dining.
Outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.
Wet pubs
Outdoor seating only, limited to a maximum of 15 patrons.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open but only for existing guests, and those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors only can remain open. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work
Only essential or other designated workers should go to work.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay in your county (or other defined geographical area) apart from essential work, education and other essential purposes.
Schools, early learning and childcare services, adult and higher education
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures.
Further, higher and adult education moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
All remain open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Walk or cycle where possible.
Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%.
Avoid public transport – essential workers and essential purposes only.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with outhers and in activities outside home. Specific guidance will be issued.
Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)
Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.