The new restrictions announced by the Government on Tuesday evening are necessary to tackle the increase in COVID-19 cases nationwide, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said.

The organisation, which represents doctors, said that the current situation in Ireland "required a strong response". It also insisted that the vast majority of people here have responded to the pandemic in the appropriate way.

"There has been a lot of criticism, but most people deserve nothing but credit for how they have responded to this crisis since March and we need to tap into that spirit again now for the coming weeks," commented IMO president, Dr Padraig McGarry.

However, he also warned that health services face numerous challenges in the coming months as a result of long waiting lists, an ongoing recruitment crisis and an exhausted workforce.

"Health services staff have been battling this crisis now for six months and are exhausted. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency, such as the ongoing consultant pay disparity of 30%, the need to grant consultant status to public health specialists and the need to support GPs through what will be a very busy winter," Dr McGarry said.

He also reminded people that if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, they should isolate themselves and contact their GP immediately, who will arrange a test.

For more information on the latest restrictions, click here.