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A variety of restrictions are in place after the entire country moved to Level 3 of the Living with Covid-19 plan.
The measures went into effect at midnight as part of efforts to stem the recent surge in cases of the virus.
Thousands of Gardaí control hundreds of checkpoints as part of Operation Fanacht, which was established to enforce Level 3 restrictions.
Checkpoints have been established regionally and on all major arterial routes around Dublin to encourage people to stay in their own counties and take only essential travel.
Around 7,000 people leave Portlaoise every day for Dublin, another 2,500 leave from Gorey. Those on educational and essential travel are entitled to travel, but with traffic levels rising last week to 80% of pre-Covid levels, Operation Fanacht is now underway to reduce the number of roads.
132 checkpoints have been established across the country and will remain for the duration of the police operation, which also includes high visibility and mobile patrols.
This morning there are static checkpoints on the outskirts of Dublin at Balbriggan, Finglas, Blackchurch and the Blessington road, but on the exit roads to avoid major collapses.
Even though they do not have the legal power to prevent people breaking Level 3 restrictions, traffic will be delayed as gardaí will question motorists and assess what travel is essential and who will be asked to return.
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However, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has insisted that his approach will continue to be community-based.
In addition to involving, encouraging and explaining public health restrictions, Harris said thousands of Gardaí are also available to offer support, reassurance and assistance to the elderly, the vulnerable, those living alone or anyone in need of help.
The Level 3 restrictions will remain in effect until midnight on October 27, at which time the government will review the situation, based on public health advice.
Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said a broad social effort is now essential over the next few weeks and that everyone has the power to disrupt the spread of Covid-19.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that while the move to Level 3 will be a very difficult thing for people to do, if the measures are fully taken, the virus can be suppressed and rejected.
Yesterday, the Department of Health was notified of 432 new cases and an additional death.
It brings the total number of deaths here to 1,811, while now there have been a total of 38,973 cases.
Additional reporting Fergal O’Brien
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