IRELAND is set to discover whether or not lockdown measures will remain in place before Friday, according to Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.
The National Public Health Emergency Team met this morning to discuss further extending movement restrictions but a formal recommendation will not be made until Friday.
Current restrictions were designated with a deadline of Easter Sunday, though the expectancy is that they will be extended beyond that date.
Dr Holohan insists that the public will find out on Friday to what extend the measures are extended or even heightened, as the country continues in the fight against Covid-19.
Health Minister Simon Harris said today that the country is "not yet where we need to be" in terms of slowing the spread of the virus.
There are now over 5,300 confirmed cases with the death toll from Covid-19 in the Republic rising to 174.
"What we will do over the course of the week, I will be as honest and open with you as I can be so it won't be that I will reveal everything in one go on Friday," said Dr Holohan.
"As the week progresses and our impression of where we are is increasing either in one direction or another I will share that with you.
"Wherever we arrive at formally on Friday won't be a surprise to you."
Dr Holohan advised that restrictions on travel and work will only be lifted when the country has a grip on the outbreak.
He said that there are factors to be considered before relaxing any measures including that "we know we have the capacity in our testing, the capacity in terms of the kit that has to be available, to really be strong and focused on finding cases.
"Our work over the course of the next one to two weeks will be to try and get us into that position."
