BREAKING: Tighter Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Taoiseach

LEVEL Three restrictions are to remain in place across the majority of the country until at least November 10, the Taoiseach has said this Wednesday night.

At a briefing following the publication of the latest statistics in relation to Covid- 19 cases, Micheal Martin said: "We are on a journey with this virus and we have come to a difficult point in that journey".

A total of 1,095 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported this Wednesday evening - the highest number reported on a single day in the state since the start of the pandemic.

"The government has decided that we must bring in additional national restrictions within Level Three and these include, but are not limited to: No visitors to homes or garden except for instances where care is being given and these will be made clear.

"Up to six people from two homes can meet outdoors while maintaining social distancing," said Mr Martin.

"We will be re-emphasising to businesses that employees should not travel to their workplace unless they absolutely have to."

The Taoiseach said that while "Halloween itself isn't cancelled" people should not go knocking on doors. He said there are other ways of enjoying Halloween.

With regard to sport, the Taoiseach said: "The exemption for club championship will be removed and sporting bodies will be informed that if they cannot maintain protective measures in outdoor training, then such training should cease."

The intercounty championship remains unaffected by the new restrictions. 

The Cabinet has tonight signed off Level Four restrictions for Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal meaning much tighter rules for those three counties compared to the rest of the country.