An Garda Síochána has urged the public to "stay at home except for essential journeys or for essential work" during the Halloween weekend.
Under the Level Five guidelines, people are being asked not to travel further than 5km from their homes unless they have an essential reason for doing so.
Elsewhere, all family gatherings are banned - unless you're in a support bubble - people are not allowed to visit each other’s homes or gardens and pubs, restaurants and cafes have been reduced to takeaway only.
This weekend will see Operation Fanacht in place with hundreds of checkpoints across the country as officers try to ensure compliance with Level Five rules.
Speaking about the increased Garda presence that will be on the roads this weekend, Superintendent Aidan Glacken from Sligo said: "If we all work together during the Level 5 restrictions, we can reduce the spread of Covid and help protect our loved ones, friends, neighbours and our communities.
"You are requested to stay at home except for essential journeys or for essential work. To reduce your social interactions, and stay within your immediate household or your household bubble.
"To observe social distancing guidelines. To wear a facemask where appropriate, to follow good hand and respiratory hygiene, this means washing your hands regularly and reserving good coughing and sneezing etiquette.
He adds: "An Garda Síochána is checking compliance with the government's public health measures. The vast majority of the public are complying with these measures and we encourage you to continue to do so.
"An Garda Síochána continues to police as it has always done with the consent of the people through our ongoing community engagement. Our priority at the time remains 'Keeping People Safe.'
"Gardai will continue to assist people who are isolated, who are vulnerable or need assistance to ensure they can stay safe.
"Anyone who requires assistance or knows someone in need of assistance can make contact with their local Garda station, we're here to help. If we continue to hold firm and follow the public health advice, together we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives."
Gardai have been ramping up checkpoints nationwide, with 2,500 gardai out in force on both main and secondary roads.
If you're stopped at a checkpoint, here's what officers will ask you:
- Where are you going? It's against new rules to travel more than 5km from your home, so the first question is where you are travelling to.
-Do you have a letter from work? All essential workers should have been given a letter from their employer which permits them to travel around - it's important you bring this with you if you have one.
- Where do you live? Gardai will ask where you are travelling from to check if you are within your radius, keep in mind they can check within less than a minute by your reg the address where the car is registered.
Non-essential workers can only leave their 5km radius for essential reasons, such as caring for a sick or vulnerable loved one.
