Increased coronavirus restrictions are now in effect across the entire country.
Level 3 of the government's 'Living with Covid' plan took effect at midnight and will continue for the next three weeks.
People are asked not to travel outside their county, and indoor gatherings in cafes, restaurants and bars are banned.
Level 3 measures mean the likes of pubs and restaurants can stay open but are limited to outdoor dining for a maximum of 15 people.
All religious services are to move online and just 25 people can attend weddings and funerals.
It comes as the Tánaiste last night told a meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary party a short sharp 'circuit break' lockdown is being considered to control the virus.
Meanwhile, traffic jams are to be used by Gardaí from this morning to discourage people from making unnecessary journeys.
Operation Fanacht came into force at midnight across the country with 132 checkpoints a day on main roads, while there will be thousands more in towns and villages.
Gardaí will not have enforcement powers but if compliance becomes a problem, they will be requested.
