Ireland will shut down much of its economy and society, in a second block for Covid-19, which will include some of the toughest restrictions in Europe.
Shops with non-essential products or services will be closed and people will be required to stay home, with a 5 km travel limit to exercise or move around.
By midnight Wednesday, the country will move to the highest level of blockage in six weeks. Visits to private homes or gardens will not be allowed and there will be no gatherings other than tightly controlled weddings and funerals. The number of guests should not exceed 25 for weddings and up to 10 people can be at a funeral.
There will be a system of fines, for those who violate the restrictions, in addition to people who have to move for work or other essential purposes.
People who live alone or are single parents can join another home, family or relatives.
Two families can meet in nature, just within the travel boundary. Public transport will operate at 25% capacity.
Along with non-essential retail stores, beauty salons, gyms, leisure centers, etc. will also be closed. Nightclubs, cafés and restaurants will only be allowed to serve meals to take with you or to send.
In a grim speech announcing the restrictions, Micheal Martin said he understood there would be disappointment, loneliness and despair, but that there was hope.
"If we come together over the next six weeks we will be able to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way ... the journey will not be easy, but the future is in our hands. Everyone has to dig deep and persevere."
Schools and kindergartens will remain open but Martin Marjoram, president of the Teachers' Union of Ireland, said its members were concerned and needed faster coronavirus testing to keep schools open.
Construction and most factories can continue to operate. Hotels and inns can be left open to provide essential services.
Pandemic unemployment benefit will return to € 350 per week for those with a weekly income of € 400 and above.
On Monday, supermarkets and grocery stores across Ireland reported a huge increase in sales, although they will continue to remain open.
Health officials reported 1,031 new infections Monday, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 50,993. The death toll remained unchanged at 1,852.
Opposition parties have stated they will not run in the by-elections, but some business groups have warned of a wave of bankruptcies and job losses.
Source: The Guardian, BBC
