Gardaí in Cork are warning anyone thinking about taking a trip this weekend that they will be will stopped and forced to return home.
Earlier this week the Health Minister Simon Harris signed new laws giving Gardaí emergency power to force people to return home if they do not have a valid reason to be outside.
The new laws include fines of €2,500 or a six month jail sentence for those flouting the rules.
Locals in West Cork have reported a rise in the number of Dublin and UK registered cars ahead of the weekend.
Speaking to RedFM News Crime Prevention Officer for the Cork West Garda Division Sergeant James O'Donovan says Gardaí will be out in force over the bank holiday weekend.
"The essential message for this weekend, it's an Easter weekend with a difference, is to not leave your home.
"I know there was a big press release in relation to possibly tourists coming down from urban centres going to holiday homes, if you're thinking about doing it over the next day or two, do not.
"Stay at home - it's only for a period of time until we can get on top of this situation in relation to Covid-19."
