An official announcement is expected this evening at 6pm.

But as Ireland awaits news on the next steps out of Level 5 lockdown, it’s looking increasingly likely that the 5km travel limit is set to be extended to include travel within counties.

The Government is expected to take the slow and cautious route to reopening the country in the coming months, opting for a phased approach to opening construction and allowing sports and outdoor gatherings after the schools return in full from April 12th.

As such, cabinet members are said to be keen to lower the public’s expectations in relation to tonight’s announcement.

However, according to numerous reports this morning, the Cabinet Committee is considering changes to the travel rules that may be introduced on April 12th, leaving another fortnight during which health experts are hoping to see a significant drop in new infections.

Last night, the National Public Health Emergency Team warned the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 that any rush to reopen could result in a damaging fourth wave of coronavirus before all of the country’s most vulnerable people are vaccinated.

A further 539 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the past 24 hours, 15 in Cork, with one additional death from the virus.

Of the latest cases, 288 are men and 249 are women and 73% are under 45 years of age. the median age is 32 years old.