The new restrictions will come into play at midnight.

New lockdown restrictions have been announced for Kildare, Laois and Offaly, following a rise in Covid-19 cases across the three counties. The new measures will come into play from midnight (7 August) and will last for two weeks. Micheál Martin confirmed the news on Friday, saying: "We will have setbacks. Every day we read about countries which thought they have defeated the virus but see the need to reimpose restrictions." People who are able to work from home will be asked to do so. The government confirmed on Friday evening that those in the three affected counties will have to limit travel to within their own county except for travel to work, medical appointments, and other essential journeys. Retail outlets will be allowed stay open, while face coverings are now mandatory. Those in affected counties will be allowed to leave their counties for farming purposes, or to care for sick and elderly people. People are being urged not to travel to these counties, unless it is for work. Indoor gatherings are limited to six people from a maximum of three households. Pubs, cafes and restaurants will be asked to close, unless they have a takeaway option or an outdoor area, where groups of up to 15 can meet. Cinemas, bingo halls and gyms will also close, and funerals will be limited to 25 people. Places of worship remain open for private prayer, while services are to be held online. Crèches will remain open and preparations for the re-opening of schools can continue. All sport across the three counties has also been cancelled, aside from training for professional and elite athletes. The government has said that you should not use public transport unless it is absolutely necessary to do so, and where possible you should not share private vehicles with others from outside your household. The full list of new measures can be read here.