Ireland's PM announces regional lockdown in 3 counties

Ireland's prime minister has ordered regional lockdowns in three countries amid a surge of new COVID-19 cases.

Micheal Martin said the restrictions will apply in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly and are in response to a "deep and urgent threat.''

The restrictions begin at midnight and will last for two weeks.

Movement will be restricted within the countries with the exception of work and other essential journeys.

Pubs serving food and restaurants will close apart from takeaway services.

Entertainment venues such as movie theaters, museums, galleries and bingo halls will also close.

Martin hailed the earlier restrictions that were in place across the whole country, saying "no one should doubt for a single moment" they were justified.

The pandemic would have been "much, much worse" without them, he added.

Yet he noted that "the virus is still a deep and urgent threat. It is merciless and it is unrelenting."