Restrictions on movement due to the coronavirus crisis are being extended for another three weeks.
The strict restrictions announced two weeks ago were initially meant to last until this coming Sunday, April 12th.
However, the Government this afternoon confirmed the rules will be extended as health officials continue to work to drive down the number of COVID-19 cases here.
Speaking at Government Buildings this afternoon, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar thanked the public for the "sacrifices they've made so far".
However, he said we "have to keep going" - and confirmed the Government has now accepted the latest recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
The current restrictions - which include the closure of non-essential businesses and everyone being asked to stay at home wherever possible - will now be in effect until Tuesday May 5th.
Mr Varadkar said: "What we're doing is difficult, but it is making a difference.
"We need to persevere, and we need to maintain our discipline and resolve."
"Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay at home" is the advice from the Taoiseach
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 10, 2020
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said health officials did ask the question about further restrictions this morning, but instead decided to continue with the current measures for now and leave the door open for more if needed.
Garda powers
Health Minister Simon Harris, meanwhile, said the Garda enforcement powers brought in to help slow the spread of COVID-19 will continue for as long as restrictions are in place.
He said the powers - which were due to expire after the weekend - were always intended to be extended as long as the restrictions remain.
Minister Harris noted that the Irish people are 'flattening the curve' of coronavirus cases here, but the number of infections needs to be reduced further.
He observed: "Just a couple of weeks ago, a person who got the virus typically infected about four others.
"First, we as a people - all of us together - got that down to two and a half, and last night we learned from our scientific experts that it's now approaching one. But we need to get it lower again."
Meanwhile, the Leaving Cert exams have been postponed until late July or August.
Junior Cycle exams have been cancelled for this year, and will be replaced with school-based exams later in the year.
Schools will remain closed until further notice, the Education Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed.
