The Health Minister has signed regulations giving Gardaí emergency power to enforce restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
People found not following health advice will be forced to return home.
The Garda operation will focus on routes out of towns and cities and those towards weekend hot-spots like beaches and parks.
There will be a significant increase in the number of checkpoints, and patrols at those key locations will also be increased.
It comes as both the government and health officials appeal for people not to travel to holiday destinations this weekend.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says the new powers will be used “sparingly and only if needed.”
Yesterday saw the largest daily rise in the number of deaths here since the outbreak began – 36 people died, bringing the total to 210.
Six People died in the North West. There are now 114 reported cases of Covid-19 in Donegal. The number remains at 28 in Sligo while an additional 5 new cases have been reported in Leitrim bringing the total number in the County to 18.
Nationwide there were 345 new cases were also announced, with the total number now standing at 5,709.
Chief medical officer Tony Holohan says it’s important people continue social distancing, particularly over the upcoming weekend:
