The Taoiseach has confirmed that Ireland will enter a third lockdown on a gradual basis from Christmas Eve.
Micheal Martin addressed the nation on Tuesday afternoon where he announced a raft of new measures for the county.
As expected, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, barbers and cinemas will shut on December 24.
A new ban on inter-county travel will come in on St Stephen's night, in order to allow people to return to where they live after Christmas Day.
The number of households allowed to visit each other will be reduced to one other home from December 27, before being cut altogether from the New Year.
The number allowed to attend weddings will be down to just six people from January 2.
Religious services will be moved online only after Christmas Day.
Schools will be allowed to return as they were during the previous Level Five lockdown, with the new restrictions being reviewed again on January 12.
While retail can remain open, stores are being asked to defer January sales until later in the year.
Hotels cannot accept non-essential bookings past December 26.
Later today, the National Public Health Emergency Team will announce case numbers above 900, according to sources.
The Government met at 8am on Tuesday morning to discuss the Level Five recommendation from NPHET.
Dr Tony Holohan requested a full-scale lockdown to halt the spread of Covid-19, which has seen cases spiral in recent weeks.
Instead, the Government has decided to go with a "Level Five minus" approach to restrictions.
This morning’s Cabinet meeting was described by one Minister as “dour and depressing” to the Irish Mirror.
Keep up to date with all the very latest updates from the Taoiseach's announcement right here with our live blog.
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