In less than a month, the current period of Level Five measures will lift.
What then?
Well, most likely, we'll be set for another few weeks – if not months – of restrictions, from a Government that's clearly determined not to repeat past mistakes by reopening too quickly.
The question, then, isn't whether we're on course for any sort of grand reopening (we're not) but instead the extent to which we can expect any let-up.
It's been difficult to tell in recent weeks what exactly the Government is planning for spring – beyond the "cautious and conservative" approach now championed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
We've pored over the various public pronouncements from Government in an attempt to figure out what exactly Ireland's different sectors – hospitality, retail, beauty, travel and more – can expect. (Hint: the omens aren't exactly amazing.)
Read on to find out more:
Pubs and restaurants
For hospitality, unfortunately, the omens are not good.
After scores of verbal battles – fought very publicly over the course of 2020 – the sector seems finally to have accepted that public health experts aren't changing their minds about the dangers of drinking indoors.
So pubs and restaurants won't be reopening on March 5 – and probably not for a considerable amount of time after that.
The summer, it now seems, is their best bet – but whether that's May or June is still anyone's guess.
Retail – including Penneys and other 'non-essential' shops
In December, as case numbers surged, the Government initially attempted to keep shops open.
That decision, it quickly became clear, was not sustainable – leading to a quick about-turn and the prompt closure of the sector.
For non-essential retail, there's not much chance of a March 5 reopening. Under Government guidelines, we'd need to be down at Level Three for that to happen, and it seems there's almost no chance of that.
So the only hope for starving retailers is that the Government might rejig the rules – a step it has taken before.
But it's highly unlikely.
5km travel radius
The 5km travel ban is one of the most restrictive parts of Ireland's lockdown – and there are some signs that it might be eased on March 5.
The Tanaiste has already hinted that we may be set for a move to 'Level Four-plus' (no, we're not sure exactly what he means by that, either) – which could allow people outside their 5km radius as long as they remain within their county.
Intercounty travel
Those hoping to traverse the country to see friends or loved ones are not likely to get the news they've been hoping for.
Intercounty travel – allowed at Level Three and under – won't be coming back in March unless something very dramatic changes.
We wouldn't count(y) on it.
Schools
Schools – shut last month amid drama and discord between the Government and trade unions – are set to reopen on a phased basis over the next month.
Children with additional needs will return to the classroom on February 11 and February 22, with regular schools set to resume over the course of March.
International travel
Those hoping to get over to the sunshine for a holiday by the pool can kiss their hopes goodbye, it seems.
The Government has majorly hardened its stance on international travel over recent weeks – and there's now a €500 fine for anyone attempting to engage in what's described as "non-essential" travel.
Dr Tony Holohan has also doused the idea in cold water, telling the country he only foresees trips to beaches in people's "locality".
