Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said that Ireland's Level Five is working - but refused to confirm whether pubs will reopen.
Government leaders are meeting this evening to discuss how the country will leave lockdown on December 1.
The Fianna Fail leader said we had made significant progress, with our Covid-19 rates among the lowest in Europe.
And he indicated that a decision on whether pubs can reopen will likely be made when the Government meets on Tuesday morning.
Mr Martin told reporters: "The Irish people have made a lot of sacrifices, this Level Five has been very difficult. We understand that, but the good news is, what you're doing is working.
"We're managing our hospitals in terms of ICU numbers and hospitalisations, we've kept our schools open, thanks to all involved it's no mean achievement, and construction has stayed open we're building houses across the country, that's important.
"Your work matters has been effective, we just need to keep at it."
But he added: "The arrival of the vaccine is not a moment to relax, it is a moment to double down. We can see the horizon ahead of us in terms of the vaccine.
"I spoke this morning to the chairperson of the vaccine taskforce, they hope to have strategies for Government by December 11 in terms of how we will distribute vaccines.
"It will take a national effort in terms of getting the vaccine out safely."
On the prospect of pubs reopening, he told the Irish Mirror: "I haven't made any specific comment in relation to any specific sector or specific area or sub-sector, that will be an area for Government to consider.
"No decisions have been made as yet, the three party leaders sill meet this evening, and the government will meet tomorrow morning."
