LATEST: 518 new cases of virus confirmed, Kilkenny and whole country to go under Level 3 lockdown – reports

There has been no further coronavirus related deaths but 518 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.

The overall death toll as a result of the virus currently stands at 1,810 . There are now 38,549 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

The breakdown of the latest cases is as follows: 134 are in Dublin, 53 in Cork, 49 in Limerick, 34 in Donegal, 32 in Meath with the remaining 216 cases are spread across 20 counties.

The latest cases were confirmed at the Cabinet is meeting this evening to discuss the controversial recommendation by NPHET to place the entire country under Level 5 restrictions.

Reports this evening said the Government will reject NPHET’s advice. RTÉ said that every county will instead be moved to Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions with improved enforcement.

Two Government sources also told KilkennyNow.ie a compromise level of restrictions will be confirmed later this evening.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Emaon Ryan earlier met with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan for over two hours to discuss NPHET’s recommendation to put the whole country of a Level 5 lockdown.

Level 5 would see all but essential retail outlets closed, social gatherings would be restricted and people would only be allowed to exercise within 5km of their homes.

Under Level 3 restrictions, currently in place in Dublin and Donegal, schools and childcare facilities remain open, but there are additional restrictions for indoor and outdoors events.

Here is a summary of how Level 3 restrictions would affect you:

*Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars) as well so-called wet pubs are subject to additional restrictions, while nightclubs, discos and casinos remain closed.

*Social visits: Visitors are allowed from one other household only. The Government says no social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.

*Organisaed gatherings: Organised indoor gatherings, such as business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas, should not take place. Organised outdoor gatherings, such as outdoor arts events and training events, can take place but only with gatherings of up to 15 people.

*Weddings: Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

*Religious services will move online, with places of worship to remain open for private prayer. Up to 25 mourners can attend a funeral.

*Arts and museums: All museums, galleries and other cultural attractions will be closed.

*Libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect.

*Hotels and retail: Hotels and accommodation will be open but services limited to residents. Retail and services (such as hairdressers, beauticians, barbers) will be open with protective measures in place. Face coverings must always be worn.

*Work: The Government says people must work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.

*Travel: For domestic travel, people will have to stay in their county (or other defined geographical area) apart from work, education and other essential purposes, if appropriate.

*Education: Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures in place. Further, higher and adult education will escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible.

*Public transport and parks: Face coverings must be worn on public transport, which will be limited to 50%. It is for essential workers and essential purposes only. People are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible. Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks will remain open with protective measures in place.

*Over 70s and the medically vulnerable: People aged 70 and over as well as the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside their home.