Regulations are to be signed to put the regional Covid-19 measures on a legal footing.
Garda checkpoints are being set up in Kildare, Laois and Offaly to ensure people are complying with the partial lockdown.
Regulations are to be signed this weekend to put the regional Covid-19 measures in the midlands on a legal footing.
People in the three counties must stay within their own counties for two weeks, while the rest of the country will remain in Phase 3.
Pubs and restaurants in the affected areas must close, and can only serve takeaway meals.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says Gardaí will be out in force:
The Health Minister also says he doesn't want the people of Laois, Offaly and Kildare blaming meat processing plants for the partial lockdown.
Stephen Donnelly says the virus could hit other sectors just as rapidly as it affected the meat factories:
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