Things are changing, fast.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced a raft of updates to the Government’s roadmap for reopening Ireland, accelerating many of the scheduled dates for easing restrictions.

There will now be four phases instead of five, beginning with a period the Taoiseach termed “Phase 2 plus”.

All shops can reopen on Monday, but opening must be delayed until 10.30am and special hours for vulnerable shoppers must be offered. Shopping centres will be allowed to open on June 15th.

Playgrounds will be allowed to reopen from Monday and groups of six people can meet up outdoors, once everyone is observing social distancing measures of 2m.

Confusingly, the Taoiseach advised people to “stay local” but said people will be allowed to travel 20km from home “or anywhere within their own county, whichever is the greater.” All travel restrictions will be lifted on June 29th, 2020.

Hospitality sector businesses will be allowed to reopen on  June 29th. Bars that serve food, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs will also be allowed to open their doors earlier than scheduled.

“We have earned the right to be hopeful again,” said Mr Varadkar.

“We all need to stick to what we’ve been doing right.” he added, reminding the public that vigorous hand washing and social distancing is still strongly recommended.

Yesterday, HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid confirmed that Covid-19 cases have dropped 85% from the peak of 879 on April 13th.

“Many hospitals across our system now have no confirmed cases,” he said.