"The end is now truly in sight" - Taoiseach addresses the nation: Key Points

The key points from this evening's address to the nation where the Tasoieach confirmed that Level 5 restrictions will remain in place until at least April 5th.
- Level 5 to continue April 5th
- Phased return of in-school education; next Monday junior infants - 2nd class and Leaving Cert to return
- On March 15th remainder of primary classes and 5th years
- The remainder to return after Easter Break
- March 8th Early Childhood pre-school programming will resume
- March 29th all other childcare will return
- After April 5th
- Easing of restrictions on outdoor gatherings will be under consideration
- Easing of restrictions on certain sporting activities will be under consideration
- The return of construction services will be under consideration
- Easing of 5km travel limit will be under consideration
- Other announcements
- Taoiseach says 82% of adults will have had their first dose by the end of June - 1.2 million first doses would be administered by the end of March and 1.1 million doses during April, May and June.
- The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will remain in place until the end of June.
- €20 million in new funding has also been agreed today for mental health supports and investment in communities.
More from Coronavirus
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Work Is Underway On An EU Digital Vaccine Passport
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There Has Been A Further 687 New Covid-19 Cases Confirmed Today
1 further patient has died with the virus
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New Laws On Mandatory Hotel Quarantine Have Now Passed All Stages In The Oireachtas
The legislation now heads to President Michael D Higgins for signature
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Covid-19 Evening Update
Here's a recap of today's main Covid-19 stories
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Lord Mayor Of Cork Appeals To The Public Not To Gather In Large Numbers At The Planned Anti-Lockdown Protest On Saturday
He is urging people in the City Centre on Saturday to follow public health guidelines
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Rapid Antigen Testing Ruled Unnecessary To Reopen Schools
The decision was made by a number of public health officials
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Organisers of anti-lockdown protest in the city centre say their event this weekend will be peaceful
It's after fears were expressed that the demonstration could turn violent after a riot broke out during an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin at the weekend.
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Ireland on track to have one of the lowest Covid infection rates in Europe
NPHET says it's "understandable" public enthusiasm has waned - but there's more reason for hope now than at any time in the last year.
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554 People With Covid-19 Are Being Treated In Irish Hospitals This Afternoon
There have been 19 admissions in the last 24 hours and 7 discharges
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A Senior Member Of NPHET Says He Expects An Easing Of Covid-19 Restrictions From April Or May
Level 5 restrictions are set to be reviewed before April 5th
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INTO: Next Phase Of Reopening Schools Will Not Go Ahead If There's A Spike In Covid Cases
Around 300,000 pupils will return to class tomorrow
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Over 7,500 Irish Residents Have Arrived Here Over A 2 Week Period This Month After Going On Holiday
A further 1,400 non-residents came here for a holiday between February 8th and 21st