8pm closing time for pubs with 'massive rise in infections' expected

Earlier today, the Department of Health confirmed that 3,628 new cases of the virus have been recorded today

A punter enjoys a pint at The Old Market Bar, Bandon Co Cork as Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the new 8pm closing restrictions on the hospitality sector. Picture: Denis Boyle

The Taoiseach has confirmed that all pubs and restaurants will close at 8pm as he said a "massive rise" in Covid infections is expected.

The curfew will come into effect from midnight on Sunday.