From midnight, all non-essential retail businesses, gyms and hairdressers in counties Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal will close under Level Four restrictions.
The additional measures are in place until November 10th, in an effort by the Government to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The move came after similar restrictions were announced for Northern Ireland.
Shane Murphy from The Baron’s Nest spoke to Northern Sound News before he opened for trading.
While exercise will be permitted in groups of fifteen outdoors, gyms and swimming pools will not be allowed continue. Phyllis Moffett from The Fitness Habit said she was shocked by the move because gyms in the North are remaining open.
Retailers are also concerned about the differences in what is classed as “essential retail” on either side of the border. Some clothes shops spent the morning contacting suppliers and cancelling orders for what would be the start of the Christmas period.
Kieran Brady owns Macho Man Menswear and said he was expecting some restrictions to be imposed.
Macartan Kieran from Monaghan Boot Company was of the view that the move to Level Four came too late, and that temporary lockdowns could be the way forward.
