Leaving Cert students are being urged not to mingle with friends to avoid catching Covid-19 - as they will not be given the option of sitting an exam another day.
A senior government official said that “there is a real sense that we will get to those brighter days ahead” as restrictions are set to ease from Monday.
However, Liz Canavan, assistant secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach, said “we are not totally out of the woods yet.”
New research from the Social Activity Measure (SAM) has shown an increase in social activity, household visits and a rise in close contacts.
Ms Canavan urged Leaving Cert pupils to limit the number of people they meet ahead of exams, which start on June 7.
She said: “We ask them to avoid social gatherings, and to consider their own opportunities and the opportunities of their friends and classmates who intend to sit the examinations.
“There will be no alternative sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination.
“Students who are unable to sit an examination for these reasons, or for any other reasons, including medically certified illness or a bereavement, will receive an Accredited Grade, provided they are eligible for the scheme.”
Ms Canavan said the Department of Education has issued guidance to schools around milestone events that normally occur at the end of the school term.
Graduation ceremonies, sports days and school tours are allowed within guidelines but they can’t be attended by parents.
The State had its best week ever last week with nearly 200,000 vaccines administered and yesterday marked the highest number of vaccines given with over 46,000 doses administered.
Over 457,000 people over 70 have now received their first dose, with 59.7% of this age group now fully vaccinated having received both doses.
Over 234,000 people at very high risk of severe Covid due to an underlying condition have now received a first dose.
Over 200,000 60 - 69s have now received their first dose.
Work is also currently underway to develop an online booking portal that will allow asymptomatic people to book a slot at a testing centre for their free Covid-19 PCR test.
The system will be available later this month for pilot in selected areas.
Ms Canavan added: “This easing of restrictions is based on continuing to keep our risk low, by ensuring that the focus is on outdoor activities and a moderate increase in social interaction.
“We still have a high incidence of the virus in our communities.
“Public health advice is that what is contemplated next is low to medium risk, so we are not totally out of the woods yet although the path ahead is getting clearer.
“We want to be in a position to further lift restrictions as planned in June.
“The choices we make now in May are vital to ensure that the virus doesn’t get out of control again and leave us in a position where we can’t proceed as planned in June and beyond.”
