Leo Varadkar has announced Ireland is to remain in lockdown for two more weeks.
Addressing the nation this evening, the Taoiseach said the curve has been flattened and is now plateauing in the battle against COVID-19.
But he warned that while thousands of lives saved, the nation hasn't won the battle yet.
The lockdown has been extended on the back of public health advice that ICUs could become overcrowded if restrictions are lifted too soon.
There will be some easing of restrictions on Tuesday, May 5.
The distance people can travel for exercise will be extended to 5km and over-70s who are cocooning can go for walk or drive within 5km if avoid all contact with overs while they are out.
The first phase will commence on May 18 with the fifth and final phase starting on August 10 if all goes to plan.
As part of the first phase, construction work will be allowed to resume and some retail outlets, such as hardware stores and garden centres, will re-open.
Other workplaces, such as creches, restaurants, cafes and pubs will re-open in the later phases.
Schools and colleges will remain closed until the start of the new academic year in September and October.
