The Health Minister has signed regulations giving Gardaí emergency power to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.
The legislation will allow Gardaí to force people to return home – with those who refuse facing a fine or a prison term.
Meanwhile, Gardai are today launching a major operation aimed at ensuring people do not travel over the Easter weekend.
The operation will see patrols and checkpoints stepped up across the country.
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The UK Prime Minister has spent his second night in intensive care.
Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital with persistent symptoms of COVID-19 on Sunday.
Downing Street said he has not been put on a ventilator and described as being stable and in "good spirits.”
The US President Donald Trump says he continues to root for Boris Johnson.
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Third level students will not sit traditional exams next month.
Colleges and universities around the country have said they will not hold written, oral or practical assessments in exam halls as the COVID-19 crisis continues.
Instead, students will face online exams, written assignments or rescheduled assessments.
The government said all impacted students have been notified.
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Five men are due in court in London today in connection to the discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry container in Essex last year.
The hearing will take place in the Old Bailey, while the suspects will appear virtually.
Maurice Robinson from County Armagh who had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful immigration at a hearing in November is one of the people due to appear.
Four others will face similar charges at the court in London later.
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Dedicated phonelines are being set up by five of the country's retail banks to help cocooning and vulnerable customers during the pandemic.
The new service will be provided by AIB, Bank of Ireland, KBC, Permanent TSB and Ulster Bank.
The phonelines will give banking support on things like payments and lodgements, and tips on keeping money safe.
The Banking and Payments Federation said contact details for all the banks involved can be found online.
