Image: Twitter@merrionstreetThey will now be in place until May 5th.
The movement restrictions in Ireland have been extended by a further three weeks, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced.
The restrictions, which were implemented on March 27th and were due to end on Easter Sunday, will now be in place until May 5th.
Announcing the extension of the measures, the Taoiseach said: "People are wondering when life will get back to normal. We are working toward that, planning carefully, so we get there safely. No one knows for certain when that will be, or how are lives will be different. All we can do is take one day at a time".
Regarding when they will be lifted, he said: ''It is our fervent hope, but I cannot guarantee, that we can begin to unwind restrictions after 5 May. But it's up to people to follow the advice on social distancing etc and we can be more hopeful if people keep adhering to advice."
A reminder of the restrictions:
People are to remain in their homes, except for the following reasons:
- To go to work.
- To get essential goods.
- To attend medical appointments.
- Vital family reasons like caring for children/elderly.
- For exercise.
- All public and private gatherings outside of a single household will be prohibited.
- Travel outside a 2km radius is banned (aside from the above listed reasons).
Schools to remain closed.
Meanwhile Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said schools will remain closed until further notice.
He said the Government will only take decision to reopen schools when public health advice says it is safe to do so.
