BREAKING: Ireland To Return To Full Level 5 Lockdown Measures

Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the nation as a record 1,718 new cases of Covid-19 are confirmed.

Level 5 restrictions are being re-imposed for 'at least' one month.

Gyms and non-essential retail will be shut from close of business tomorrow, while no visitors will be allowed to private homes from this evening.

Six guests will be permitted to attend weddings, with 10 people allowed at funerals.

Creches and daycare will remain open

The Taoiseach has also revealed schools will remain closed until January 11th in an address this evening.

Micheal Martin says it is still the view of public health that schools are safe, and explains why they are delaying the reopening schools:

"By extending this break by three days the new restrictions I am announcing this evening will be in place for more than 10 days when schools open. Families will have had an opportunity to ensure that their contacts are minimized before children returned to school."