Gardai are mounting checkpoints all over the midlands as part of Operation Fanacht after Friday's lockdown of Laois, Offaly and Kildare.
Residents of each county have been noticing the large garda presence over the weekend which will continue for the next two weeks.
Similar to phase two, the gardai at checkpoints will be asking questions relating to the main restrictions.
The reasons you will be allowed travel within the county are;
- travel to and from work where that work cannot be done from home
- to attend medical appointments, collect medicines and other health products
- for vital family reasons, like providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, but excluding social family visits
- for farming purposes, such as food production or care of animals
Anyone travelling into the county will be asked why and must be either be returning from a holiday or travelling home for some other reason.
Speaking on Friday, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: "Throughout the country, it is vital that people adhere to the public health regulations in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"This operation is designed to support the restrictions that are being implemented locally in these three counties in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is vital that we continue to work to minimise the risk to ourselves, our families and our local communities. We would appeal to all those living in these counties to stay and home and not undertake unnecessary journeys in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19."
Existing Garda resources in these counties are being supplemented by Garda personnel from the nine surrounding counties.
