The Taoiseach has announced that current Covid-19 restrictions will remain in place for another two weeks with few changes.
Leo Varadkar addressed the nation outside Government Buildings this evening after a meeting of Cabinet Ministers.
Ministers met to consider recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
The Taoiseach said that people who are over 70 and cocooning will be allowed to leave their homes after the bank holiday weekend.
From Tuesday May 5th, the distance in which people can travel from their homes to exercise has been increased from 2 to 5 kilometres.
The country will begin to reopen after May 18th; with the easing of restrictions set out in five stages, which will work on three week cycles.
From May 18th, outdoor work like construction work and landscaping can resume.
Garden centres, hardware stores and repair shops can reopen.
Some outdoor sporting fitness activities will be allowed and it will be possible to meet small groups outdoors.
Mr Varadkar said it's hoped schools and colleges will return in September or October.
The Taoiseach said "as a nation, our physical health is being attacked, our mental health eroded and our economy battered" but that the restrictions are working and that "77% of people diagnosed with Covid-19 have now made a full recovery."
"If we relax the restrictions too soon, we could see our ICUs overcrowded. Everything we achieved would be lost."
"All things going to plan, the fifth phase will begin on August 10th."
