Ireland today faces a watershed moment with Covid-19, possibly the most important now for citizens and the current Government, since the crisis began here.
News that the National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended the highest level of restrictions for the whole country - Level 5 - will have shocked many people, including many in Government.
It followed an unscheduled meeting yesterday by NPHET, following the return of Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan. Only last Thursday, under the Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, NPHET recommended no changes to any county levels but did call for some tighter restrictions on household visits.