Ireland returns to full national lockdown after the spread of the new Corona strain accelerates

He added, “With the presence of the new strain and the rapid pace of growth, this is not the time to learn the nuances of our reaction. We must press to stop interacting with others and the movement in general across the country.”

He stressed: “People will not be allowed to visit each other in private homes or gardens unless they provide health care to children, the elderly or the vulnerable, or form part of the support, and unnecessary shops and gyms will be closed.”

Martin also warned that the coming months will be “very difficult for everyone,” but that the end of the restrictions is imminent.

“For the first time since this terrible disease reached our shores, we have already had an end in sight, thousands of vaccines arrive here every week and by the end of January, I am confident that tens of thousands of our most vulnerable citizens and our health care workers will be vaccinated,” the prime minister said.