Gardaí could be given extra powers to enforce public health guidelines
It comes after a range of new restrictions were announced due to increased spread of COVID-19 - including 190 new cases confirmed today.
The rules will be in place until September 13th.
People are being asked to work from home wherever possible.
Visits to homes should be restricted to six people from no more than three households, while outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people.
Restaurants, cafés and pubs operating as restaurants can remain open, but there will be mandatory closing time of 11:30pm.
All sporting events will be played behind closed doors, after up to 200 people were previously allowed attend.
Meanwhile, people are being advised to wear masks if sharing a car with someone not from same household.
Anyone using public transport should continue to wear masks, although people are again being encouraged to avoid public transport where possible.
Over 70s are being encouraged to limit their social interactions to a small group of people, and to only shop during designated hours in supermarkets.
Officials are looking into the prospect of new legislation to allow gardaí enforce the rules.
