“Many people have done everything that has been asked of them – but some have not.”
The government has agreed a plan to move the country to Level 5 restrictions with some changes from midnight on Wednesday for six weeks.
It’s understood the restrictions will be reviewed after four weeks.
The cabinet met on Monday to discuss tightening restrictions and agreed on the plan at the meeting in government buildings.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the country on Monday night and described Covid-19 as an “ongoing battle”.
He called on everyone to take this “threat seriously” and follow the restrictions.
“If each of us does what is asked of us for just six weeks, we will suppress this virus and emerge from these restrictions on the 1 December,” he said.
“We must persevere, and we must be resilient. We as a people are much stronger than we realise.
“These are the toughest of times, but the Irish people will persevere, and we will come through this together.”
Martin said the current restrictions had slowed the spread of the virus but further restrictions were needed in the light of rising number of cases.
Schools and creches will remain open during the increased restrictions.
Elite sports will also continue including the inter-county GAA and horse racing behind closed doors.
Construction is also set to remain open during the restrictions.
Weddings will be restricted to 25 people for the remainder of the year.
All non-essential retail is set to close.
People are asked to stay at home and not travel more than 5km from their home with some exceptions such as for essential shopping.
People can meet up outdoors with one other household away from their home for activities such as exercise, as long as they are within 5km of home. No visitors to private homes are permitted except for compassionate or caring grounds.
Bars, cafes, restaurants and wet pubs can remain open for takeaway or delivery.
Those who can work from home must do so.
It’s also understood the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is to be restored to €350 per week for those who had prior earnings of above €400 per week, while there will also be changes to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.
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