Coronavirus: Ireland's PM announces six-week of restrictions, but warns full lockdown 'is not a realistic option'

Ireland's prime minister has confirmed that the country will return to the highest level of coronavirus restrictions from midnight on Wednesday.

Micheal Martin warned that the evidence of a potentially grave situation in the weeks ahead was now "too strong" to ignore.

He asked everybody in Ireland to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously - and stressed that a "herd immunity" approach was not possible.

However, Mr Martin added that a full lockdown is "simply not a realistic option", meaning that some exemptions to the country's Level 5 restrictions will be made.

Although non-essential shops will be forced to close, schools and childcare facilities will be allowed to remain open.

"Even as the winter comes in, there is hope, and there is light. If we pull together over the next six weeks, we will have the chance to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way," Mr Martin said.