Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that Government are looking to continue Level 5 restrictions over the Easter period and possibly beyond.
Level 5 lockdown restrictions are set to remain in place for at least six to eight weeks as only schools and construction are likely to get a look in this side of Easter.
All will be revealed in the updated Living with Covid plan expected within the next two weeks that spells bad news for pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers as well as sport.
Reports on Thursday morning suggest Level 5 restrictions will be extended until April 12 which is over a month more than the original expiration date of March 5.
When do you think lockdown should lift and what would you prioritise? Take our survey here or below:
It is highly unlikely much will change as the 5km travel limit is expected to stay in place with households being allowed to meet outdoors the only positive possibility in March.
Schools and construction are the priority focus for the Government in these crucial talks meaning that hopes for hospitality will be crushed as their doors will more than likely remain shut until May at the latest.
Speaking to RTE, the Taoiseach has said that the bleak lockdown future for the next couple of months will become more clear on February 20.
He said that there will be a phrased return to schools and that they are a "safe and controlled environment".
The Fianna Fail leader added that Leaving Cert students should know more about their exam situation within the coming weeks.
Speaking about foreign travel, the Taoiseach continued to warn people not to make non-essential international travel admitting that it is 'not on the cards' in the foreseeable and it could possibly be 2022 before it's safe to travel abroad.
It is understood that legislation to increase travel fines for non-essential journeys to €2,000 is currently being processed.
Speaking about the annual Paddy's trip to the US, the Taoiseach said he had still not been formally invited.
He added that Ireland and the US have a "very important relationship" and he hoped "in some way to honour it and mark it".
