On Friday afternoon, Leo Varadkar addressed the nation to provide some much needed good news.
The Taoiseach took to the podium at Government Buildings to announce that Ireland would proceed to Phase Two of the 'roadmap' to reopening society.
Flanked by Health Minister Simon Harris, Business Minister Heather Humphreys and Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, Mr Varadkar's speech would have brought a sigh of relief into many households.
But the news that we were entering into Phase Two wasn't surprising.
By the end of May, the number of new cases had fallen by 93.5% from the peak in mid April.
On Friday morning, we had just 140 patients in Irish hospitals battling the disease. That number has dropped again to 123.
What many did not expect, was the extent that the Government wants to plough on as we continue to fight Covid-19.
The roadmap has been fast-tracked, with Phase Five being done away with altogether.
Phase Four, starting on July 20, will hopefully be the last, as the Government continues to plot a way to get Ireland back to work.
Mr Varadkar said it has not yet been decided which areas of society will open in phases three and four, but that an announcement will be made in due course.
He also moved a number of steps up from Phase Three to Phase Two.
Retail stores will reopen, playgrounds and summer camps will return, albeit with limited capacity, while the number of those allowed to attend funerals will be extended to 25.
Shopping centres can come back on June 15.
People can travel within their own county, or within 20km of their home, as the Government changes its slogan from "stay home", to "stay local".
Cocooners will be allowed have a small number of people visit their home for the first time in months.
And to the joy of many ears, pubs that can serve food will be allowed reopen at the end of the month.
"Phase Two +" as Mr Varadkar called it.
"This has been made possible by the considerable sacrifices that you (the public) have made to restrict the spread of the virus and protect others," he said.
The Taoiseach added: "I have always said that we would accelerate the reopening of our country, but only if it was safe to do so.
"Thanks to your actions we have now reached that point, and with your help we will keep moving forward.
"So we all need to stick to what we have been doing right – washing our hands regularly, keeping two metres apart wherever possible, observing coughing and sneezing etiquette, avoiding crowded places, wearing face coverings on public transport and self isolating when sick.
"As we ease restrictions and meet and interact more, this will become more important."
So what restrictions are being eased in the coming weeks?
Travel limits
People will now be allowed to travel anywhere within their own county, or 20km, whichever distance is greater.
The original Government roadmap planned to allow visits of up to 20km from home in Phase Two, however Cabinet decided on Friday that restrictions should be lifted further.
Domestic travel restrictions are set to be lifted completely in the new Phase Three on June 29.
Social visits
Groups of up to six people can meet each other, indoors or outdoors, provided two metre social distancing can be maintained.
Cocooning
Shops will provide dedicated hours for those who are cocooning (people over the age of 70 and those who are medically vulnerable) with strict social distancing and gloves made available. Shoppers should ideally wear face coverings.
Those who are cocooning can have a small number of visitors to their home.
The visitors must wear gloves, face coverings and keep at least two metres away from the person who is cocooning.
Funerals
A maximum number of 25 people will be able to attend funerals for a limited period of time where social distancing can be maintained.
Work
People who can work safely while maintaining a two-metre distance from others
Workers, like those who work on their own, as well as other workers who can keep a twp metre distance from others can return to work. Social distancing requirements continue to apply.
Plans to be put in place by employers and the government
Organisations are to develop plans for a return to onsite working by employees in light of COVID-19, considering:
- social distancing compliance
- hygiene and cleaning
- compliance in higher risk situations
- plans for medically vulnerable or pregnant people, and
- extended opening hours to enable social distancing.
Remote working
Remote working is to continue for all workers or businesses that can currently do so.
Shops that can reopen
All shops can reopen from Monday, June 8.
However they cannot open any earlier than 10.30am. They are also required to operate staggered hours, and must allocate dedicated time for elderly, vulnerable and at-risk groups.
Shopping centres can reopen as early as June 15.
Marts
Marts can be opened where social distancing can be maintained.
Libraries
Public libraries may open so long as the numbers allowed in are limited, social distancing is observed and there is strict hand-sanitising in place for anyone who goes into the library.
Group exercise
Groups of up to 15 people can gather together for outdoor sporting activities. Athletes can also return to training, and greyhound racing can resume as long are there are no spectators.
Restaurants and Pubs
Restaurants and pubs that serve food, can reopen with table service on June 29.
