Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level Four restrictions from midnight tonight.
The Taoiseach made the announcement last night after a worrying increase in the number of cases locally.
There was a record 1,095 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic yesterday, and five more deaths.
246 of the cases are in Dublin, with 185 in Meath, 128 in Cavan and 118 in Cork – with the remaining infections spread across all the other counties.
Monaghan recorded 31 new cases yesterday.
The measures will be in effect until November 10th.
There had been speculation the Government would put in place stricter regulations in border counties after new measures were announced in Northern Ireland yesterday.
Level Four means retail, other than essential businesses that are primarily outdoors, must close.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools must close.
Outdoor, non-contact training can take place but only with pods of up to 15 players. No matches or events can take place, with an exemption for professional or elite sports, inter-county sports and horse racing.
Pubs, cafés and restaurants can offer a takeaway service and outdoor dining for up to 15 people. Wet pubs can serve up to 15 people but only outdoors.
The restrictions will be a blow to many local businesses, some of whom only reopened in recent weeks.
But the Taoiseach said supports would be made available for businesses impacted.
