The highest level of restrictions could remain in place until the end of April, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin has indicated.
An update to the Government’s Living with Covid plan is expected soon following a meeting of the Cabinet Covid-19 committee. However, few changes are predicted apart from a phased return to school from March.
Mr Martin said the “severe” Level 5 lockdown restrictions could remain in place for another nine weeks. In an interview Mr Martin suggested that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers may remain closed for even longer.
On Thursday evening, public health officials said the current R number – the rate a which the virus reproduces – is between 0.65 and 0.85.
Meanwhile, the NI Executive confirmed that restrictions would be extended in Northern Ireland until 1 April.
Mr Martin said the Government is looking at 1.2 million vaccine doses a month by April, May and June, with the majority of the population vaccinated by September.
There have been 4,082 coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic of Ireland.
LSL News.