Level four restrictions will come into effect for Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan from midnight on Thursday.
It comes amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the three counties, as well as the announcement of four weeks of lockdown measures for Northern Ireland.
Other counties will remain at level three, although household visits are now being banned nationwide for everything other than essential and compassionate circumstances.
Level four for the three border counties means a number of stricter measures for communities and businesses there.
The measures will be in effect until November 10th.
Here are the key restrictions under level four:
- Only essential and primarily outdoor retailers can remain open. All other retailers and services must close.
- Manufacturing and construction can continue.
- Gyms and swimming pools must close.
- Schools and childcare services can remain open.
- Only essential workers should go to their workplaces, with everyone else working from home wherever possible.
- People should stay in their county unless they have to leave for work, education or other essential reasons.
- No household visitors allowed in either homes or gardens.
- Restaurants are limited to takeaway and delivery, as well as outdoor dining for no more than 15 people.
- Wet pubs are limited to outdoor seating for a maximum of 15 people.
- Hotels and B&B are only open for existing guests and for those with essential (i.e. non-social and non-tourist) reasons for staying.
- Weddings will be limited to up to six guests, although weddings this coming weekend can go ahead under previous restrictions.
- Up to 25 mourners can attend funerals.
- Like level three, theatres, museums, cinemas etc... will be closed.
- Organised outdoor gatherings (e.g. outdoor arts or training events) of up to 15 people can take place. No organised indoor gatherings are allowed.
- Professional and elite sports can take place behind closed doors, while non contact training can take place in pods of up to 15. Other sports matches and events can't take place.
- Religious services can only be held online, but places of worship remain open for private prayer
- Nursing home visits are suspended except for 'critical and compassionate' reasons.
Essential retail outlets will be similar to those which were allowed remain open during lockdown - including all food stores, pharmacies, opticians, banks, office supplies, animal food & healthcare suppliers, and vehicle repairs.
Full lists of essential retailers and essential services are available on the Government's website.
