Ireland will begin its third lockdown of 2020 on Christmas Eve - coming as a major blow to businesses across the country.
It emerged on Monday night that the Government is planning to introduce a raft of new measures aimed at tackling the spread of Covid-19, which has grown rapidly in recent weeks.
The decision was also influenced by the new variant of the virus, which is currently ravaging through England - leading to a travel ban between the UK and Ireland.
The Covid-19 Sub Committee met on Monday night, where the new restrictions were agreed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan pleaded with the party leaders to move the country to Level Five, something that will be rejected by Cabinet.
Government is keen to keep shops open for Christmas, so non-essential retail will be allowed to continue.
Ministers at the meeting will now bring these recommendations to Cabinet for official approval on Tuesday morning, with a full announcement expected later in the day.
The new restrictions "are essentially Level Five again", a source told the Irish Mirror after the meeting concluded on Monday.
As for the new rules, here's everything we know so far:
- Pubs and restaurants limited to take-away and delivery services from December 24
- Hairdressers, barbers, salons, cinemas and galleries to close from December 24
- Return of the inter-county travel ban expected on December 26
- Travel ban on Britain extended until December 31
- Household visits expected to be restricted from December 26, and banned from December 31
- Non-essential retail WILL be allowed to remain open
- Golf courses, tennis courts and other outdoor sports where social distancing can be maintained will be allowed to continue.
