Coronavirus Ireland: Government doesn't plan to lift lockdown restrictions on May 5

Government ministers are not planning on lifting lockdown restrictions next week.

This is the latest position after a Cabinet meeting this morning, according to the Government Press Secretary this afternoon.

But the National Public Health Emergency Team will meet on Friday morning to make a further recommendation on measures, before another Cabinet meeting later that afternoon.

We should have an ultimate decision by Friday night.

The Government spokesman said: “The Taoiseach and Minister Harris briefed Cabinet on the national response to Covid-19. 

“Cabinet heard that as of today, there are no indications that disease levels are low enough to enable any easing of restrictions on May 5th.

Simon Harris launching the Government's new Wellbeing initiative #InThisTogether

“Cabinet also received an update from the Minister for Health on:

• the progression of Covid-19 in Ireland;
• the current position on testing and contact tracing;
• and the current position regarding long-term care facilities.

“The NPHET will consider the current restrictions further this Friday May 1st, in advance of a Cabinet meeting later on Friday.”

The position will be reviewed this coming Friday, but unless the disease figures change drastically, it’s not expected there will be any major changes.

Minor changes being considered include an extension of the 2km travel limit to 5km and exercise times for cocooning over 70s.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s Cabinet finished a meeting this afternoon where there was a wide-ranging discussion about the possible easing of the restrictions.

But the general consensus is that things have not improved enough to consider it at this stage, and in any case, they will be guided by NPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team), who are recommending no easing at this time.

Things could change after Friday, but only if the numbers improve.

All eyes will now be on the crunch meeting of NPHET this Friday after their meeting today recommended no easing of the lockdown.

The Government has scheduled an emergency Cabinet meeting for after the NPHET meeting, and the Taoiseach is expected to address the nation after this.