Ireland's premier Leo Varadkar has announced an extension of the majority of the country's coronavirus restrictions to May 18.
Schools will not reopen until September and there is no definite dates on pubs, restaurants or other businesses.
This evening, he revealed that restrictions will be lifted on May 18 followed by a five stage process finishing on August 10.
In the mean time, it is possible to travel up to 5km for the purpose of exercise. It is now possible for over 70s to drive or walk as long as they don't come into contact with anyone else.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the last few weeks have transformed people's lives "in so many different ways and ways that we could not have imagined".
Speaking from Government Buildings in Dublin, he said: "I know it's been difficult. The uncertainty about when things will get back to normal and the fear of the virus itself.
"As a nation, our physical health has been attacked, our mental health eroded.
"Our economy battered and our society put to the ultimate test.
"Many people are lonely during the pain of isolation.
"Many people are grieving in silence and many have lost their jobs."
Mr Varadkar announced the easing of two restrictions - extending an exercise travel limit from 2km to 5km from home and advising over-70s they can leave home for isolated exercise from Tuesday.
Mr Varadkar added: "Unfortunately the risk of a second wave of the virus is present.
"So we could only move to the next stage if the virus stays under control between each phase and there is a risk that we'd have to go back a phase if that happens.
"In any scenario, at least until we have a vaccine, or an effective treatment, there will be a long-term need for physical distancing, good hygiene, respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning and for people to stay at home and isolate if they're sick.
"It will take some time for our lives to get back to normal, to a new normal, but it will happen.
"So on the 18th of May, Ireland begins to reopen and begins that journey to a new normal.
"From that day outdoor work, like construction and landscaping, will resume.
"Some retail outlets, like garden centres, hardware stores, repair shops will reopen and some outdoor sporting and fitness activities in small groups will be allowed."
Mr Varadkar said that schools and colleges will reopen in September.
"Many regular health services will resume operating and it will be possible to meet small groups of friends and family outdoors," he added.
"Not long from now, some summer night, we will see our friends again.
"In later phases other workplaces, businesses, childcare, preschools, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas and gyms will reopen.
"Schools and colleges will reopen in September/October at the start of the new academic year.
"Getting people back to work and restarting businesses will not be easy. It won't be possible for people just to pick up where they left off.
"Businesses are going to need help to get going again.
"So tomorrow morning Cabinet will meet again to agree further actions to help our businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff who've been laid off or furloughed."
Mr Varadkar added: "Separately, a national protocol is being developed by Government, employers and trade unions with the assistance of the Health and Safety Authority of the HSE.
"This will enable a gradual restart of economic activity as restrictions are eased while protecting the health and safety of all workers as they return to work.
"We will do everything possible to get enterprises back and running so you can get your job back.
"While it will take some time before we get to enjoy again things we are missing, from the comfort of our families, to a night out with friends, those days will come again."
During his address, Mr Varadkar read excerpts from some of the 10,000 pieces of correspondence he has received from members of the public since the crisis began.
He spoke of Jessica, a wheelchair user, who feels an enormous cloud of loneliness around her; Anne Marie, a healthcare worker who contracted Covid-19 who described her patients as like family; Phil, a pensioner who lives alone who is struggling with isolation; and Rachel, 13, who is worried about her grandparents.
"We're doing this for Jessica, for Anne Marie, for Phil, for Rachel and for everyone else who are struggling as best they can to come through this crisis," said Mr Varadkar.
"We're doing this for each other.
"The coronavirus is cruel and inhuman however the stories I am hearing every day are stories of human kindness."
