Level Five Measures Could Remain In Place Until May

Level 5 restrictions could be in place until May with Ministers expecting almost no measures to ease next month.

The phased re-opening of schools is likely to be the only major easing of the current lockdown, amid fears around the new COVID variants.

Construction wasn't formally discussed at a Senior Minister’s briefing last night - but a number of people present said they don't see NPHET giving it the go-ahead.
Pay supports like the pandemic unemployment payment and wage subsidy scheme will likely be extended until June, with no significant re-opening for many sectors before then.

However people are being warned that the reopening of schools should not be taken as a sign that they can socialise.
Government ministers gave the green light for schools, which have been shut since Christmas, to return from the start of March.
 reopening will be staggered over several weeks, with different classes returning at different times.
Professor Philip Nolan, who chairs NPHET's modelling group, says this is not a sign measures are being eased for the wider community.