Donegal will enter level three Covid-19 restrictions from midnight tonight.
The 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in one area in Donegal is the highest in the country.
The rate in Stranorlar is 336 per 100,000 population, which the Taoiseach says is particularly concerning.
Businesses in the county were given a little more than 24 hours to prepare for Level 3 restrictions.
It will be the same restrictions as are in Dublin - including a ban on indoor dining.
However, pubs that don't serve food will be allowed to open with outdoor service only.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland says 5000 jobs will be lost in Donegal as a result of the new restrictions.
Chief executive Adrian Cummins says hundreds of restaurants, hotels, cafes and pubs will close.
But Agriculture Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue says the measures are necessary 'I think it's very difficult for everyone in the county, but our priority has to be protecting people's health, I think there was no choice but to move on the advice from NPHET to move to phase 3 for Donegal'.
