The Taoiseach has announced an extension of the current Covid-19 restrictions until May 18th.
The measures around social distancing and travel had been due to expire on May 5th.
But in an announcement this evening, Leo Varadkar said the numbers in our hospitals and in ICU's remains too high to warrant the loosening of restrictions this soon.
However he said some small changes will be made from Tuesday.
The current two kilometre exercise limit will be extended to five and people over 70 who are cocooning will also be allowed to exercise up to five kilometres, as long as they stay away from other people.
The Taoiseach said from May 18th, the country will begin reopening.
He said that would be done in five stages that will be three weeks apart, with the final stage starting on August 10th.
In the first stage, outdoor work will be the first allowed to start, and garden centres, hardware stores and repair shops will reopen.
Some outdoor sporting fitness activities will also be allowed in small groups.
But, Leo Varadkar warned if the measures are found not to be working, that restrictions would be re-introduced.
He also said that until a vaccine is found, there will be a need to continue with social distancing and the current hygiene practices.
The announcement follows a meeting of Cabinet ministers this afternoon where they discussed recommendations made by The National Public Health Emergency Team.
It comes as a further 34 Covid-19 deaths have been reported in the Republic today, bringing the death toll to 1,265.
221 new cases have also been confirmed, and the total number of cases now stands at 20,833.
