As was very much predicted, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that the current package of Covid-19 restrictions will remain in place until Tuesday May 5.
"Stay strong, stay safe and stay at home," he urged before adding: "It is our fervent hope, but I cannot guarantee, that we can begin to unwind restrictions after May 5. But it’s up to people to follow the advice on social distancing etc and we can be more hopeful if people keep adhering to advice.
"I’d ask people not to see their friends and relatives over the coming weeks. We want the virus confined to households, not being spread from one to the other.
"Regarding ferries and airports, ferry traffic is minimal and most people coming through airports are Irish citizens returning home. But we will keep everything under review."
Earlier in the afternoon, the Department of Justice launched a campaign to reassure victims of domestic abuse that support is still available - scroll down for more - and the Department of Education confirmed that this year's Junior Certificate exams has been scrapped, and the Leaving postponed until late July or August.
Meanwhile, Hot Press is doing its best to brighten up your Easter Bank Holiday with Laura Elizabeth Hughes kicking off a weekend of great Lockdown Sessions at 7.30pm on our Instagram; the launch of our new Comedy In Solitary series featuring Cork rib-tickler Chris Kent; and a special Thirteen Virtual Ways To Have A Shit Hot Easter guide to online happenings.
Needless to say, we'll be checking in regularly to see how you're doing!

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

Today we have launched a campaign to reassure victims of #domesticabuse that support is still available, despite #COVID19. This campaign has been developed between Government and frontline services, and a dedicated website has been launched: https://t.co/HviQClONyf @merrionstreet

— Department of Justice & Equality (@DeptJusticeIRL) April 10, 2020

I'll be playing some songs and having a chat at my phone tonight over on Instagram for a @hotpress #LockdownSession.. 7.30pm, come find me so I'm not morto singing to just my granny and dad! pic.twitter.com/GbJGIwGL39

— 🍃Laura Elizabeth Hughes🍃 (@LEHsounds) April 10, 2020

Hot Press Presents: Comedy In Solitary – bringing you sketches from some of Ireland's favourite comedians during lockdown.

Kicking off proceedings this #GoodFriday is Cork's @chriskentcomic!https://t.co/x3aCjRjl5v

— Hot Press (@hotpress) April 10, 2020

Getting up to Bunny Business!!! @WeeMissBea @fleabag @billieilish @neworder @lehsounds @radiohead @questlove @officialalw @andreabocelli @netflixUK Tiger King have us SERIOUSLY excited for Easterhttps://t.co/kWXfax5GkS

— Hot Press (@hotpress) April 10, 2020