Restrictions for counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare have been in place since midnight as part of the Government’s response to a spike in cases of Covid-19.

Restrictions for counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare have been in place since midnight as part of the Government’s response to a spike in cases of Covid-19.
Residents will face restrictions on their movements for the next two weeks but will be allowed to travel for farming and certain family reasons.
There will be limits on movement meaning people should only travel out of their county for certain reasons such as childcare or looking after vulnerable relatives.
People can also travel outside those counties for work, but only in cases where they cannot work from home.
Since last night, cafés, restaurants and bars have been closed, and there will be no sporting events or matches.
All outdoor gatherings are to be limited to a maximum of 15 people, while maintaining social distancing. 
Garda checkpoints will be put in place in the three counties involved, with the government due to sign a regulation to enforce the measures over the weekend.
Theatres, museums, galleries, bingo halls, casinos, betting shops and other indoor recreational and cultural outlets are also closed.
Fine Gael TD for Laois-Offaly Charlie Flanagan has said the measures were draconian, and called for targeted supports for businesses.
Independent TD for Kildare South Cathal Berry said people are overwhelmed as they try to digest what has been announced.
Read more:New restrictions annonced for counties Kildare, Laois and OffalyAt a glance: What are the restrictions imposed in 3 counties?Analysis: Covid-19: No time for panicLatest coronavirus stories
In making the announcement yesterday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the virus was still a “deep and urgent threat” and people living elsewhere should also play their part.
Preparations to reopen schools in the three counties will continue. Visits to nursing homes and prisons in the three counties should be suspended, except on compassionate grounds.
Places of worship may remain open for private prayer. Mass and other religious services should be delivered online or through remote means. A maximum of 25 people can attend funerals.
The new measures come as the Department of Health announced last night that it was notified of four additional deaths and 98 more cases of Covid-19.
There has now been a total of 1,772 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland and 26,470 confirmed cases.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that the incident rate of the coronavirus per 100 people is now at 11, up from 3.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer said that he cannot give a guarantee that restrictions will not last longer than two weeks.
Dr Ronan Glynn said that the restrictions for the three counties are being implemented to ensure that the virus does not spread.
“We are still in a relatively good position in this country, relative to many other countries around the world. And the reason that we are taking these measures tonight, is to protect that position,” he said.
“If we don’t move now, we find ourselves in a position – two, three weeks down the line – in a much worse situation.”