Coronavirus: Ireland returns to national lockdown to tackle surge in cases

Ireland will go into national lockdown for a second time in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The Irish government agreed to impose the highest level of restrictions across the country for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday.

Micheal Martin, the prime minister, described the move to level five restrictions - some of the toughest in Europe - as "very, very serious".

"There are no laws or powers that can change the nature of this virus," he said.

"Many people have done everything that has been asked of them. But some have not. As taoiseach I am asking everyone again to take this threat seriously."

The Fianna Fail leader announced the new lockdown in an address to the nation from Government Buildings in Dublin on Monday evening. 

Under the restrictions, people are being asked to stay at home, with penalties for movement outside a 5 km radius.

Only essential workers whose physical presence is required in the workplace are permitted to travel to work. Those who can work from home must do so.

Restaurants, cafes and bars will be permitted to provide takeaway services only. Only essential retail may remain open.

However schools and creches will remain open, Mr Martin said, because "we cannot and will not allow our children and young people's futures to be another victim of this disease".

He added: "They need their education."

No social or family gatherings will be allowed in homes or gardens, but visits on compassionate grounds and for caring purposes can continue.

The taoiseach said "enhanced financial supports" for individuals and businesses would be introduced to help people cope with the new measures.

He said he understood the "sense of disappointment, the feelings of loneliness, perhaps even the despair" that the announcement would bring for many people.

"The days are getting shorter and colder but I ask you to remember this: even as the winter comes in, there is hope. And there is light," he said.

Mr Martin added that if everyone pulled together, the country would be able to celebrate Christmas "in a meaningful way".

"It won't be the same Christmas that we have enjoyed in years past, but if we all pull together and follow the spirit of these new rules, it will be a very special time and will give us all some respite from the hardship of the last seven months," he said.

"If each of us does what is asked of us for a period of just six weeks, we will suppress this virus and we will emerge from these restrictions on 1 December."

The National Public Health Emergency Team recommended moving to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions two weeks ago but the government decided to put the entire country into Level 3 instead. The counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan were later moved to Level 4.

Over the past week Ireland has reported a record number of new cases. On Monday the total passed 50,000, after a further 1,031 were confirmed.

Press Association