AN TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has announced the current restrictions on movement in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) due to expire on Sunday, April 12 are to be extended for a further 3 weeks.
In an address to the nation this evening, An Taoiseach said although the spread of the virus has slowed, it has not stopped, and said we cannot become “complacent”.
“We cannot be complacent, we cannot lose focus,” he said, noting, “this is difficult, but it is making a difference.”
Today, I’ve announced the #COVID19 restrictions will be extended for a further 3 weeks until Tuesday, May 5th. Stay strong, stay safe and stay at home. pic.twitter.com/v2aCMvPVdE
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 10, 2020
Schools will remain closed for the foreseeable future and Leaving Certificate exams are to be postponed until late July or August of this summer, and the Junior Certificate exams have been cancelled, to be replaced by school-based exams.
When asked about when restrictions may be eased or lifted, An Taoiseach said the nation would see how other countries in Europe will manage as they ease restrictions before making a decision on Ireland’s plans.
In the press conference, the Fine Gael leader said it is the Government’s “hope, but I cannot guarantee, that we can begin to unwind restrictions after 5 May”.
“But it’s up to people to follow the advice on social distancing etc,” he said, adding, “and we can be more hopeful if people keep adhering to advice.”
The National Public Health Emergency Team has advised Government we must extend restrictions until midnight on May 4th. I know it is hard but you can do this. You’ve done so much in the past two weeks. @CMOIreland @roinnslainte @merrionstreet
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 10, 2020
Minister for Health Simon Harris announced he plans to extend the regulations for An Garda Síochána to have extra powers for ensuring COVID-19 measures are being followed.
An Taoiseach thanked the Irish people for their cooperation to date, and said it is not the intention for Ireland to act as a “police state” saying An Garda Síochána will have the extra powers up to May 5 and will be reviewed again.
Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan said in they have not advised Government to take any additional measures at this time and they are happy with the current measures in place.
*This article will update as the story develops…
