The Government will be sharing an exit strategy this weekend.

But if you were holding on to hope that Ireland’s lockdown restrictions will be eased over the bank holiday, the word is that it’s very unlikely.

“Maybe it’ll change significantly by Friday, but as things stand I don’t think we’re there yet,” said the Taoiseach, urging the public to ignore speculation and wait for an official announcement.

“We expect to be in a position to share the exit strategy with the Irish public in the next couple of days, certainly over the weekend. We’ll be getting new advice from the Chief Medical Officer on Friday as to when we should start that process of reopening the economy and the country.”

The numbers ‘just aren’t good enough’

Mr Varadkar said he is keeping a careful eye on the number of Covid-19 patients who are currently in hospitals across the country, the death rate and the number of new cases or coronavirus diagnosed daily.

Yesterday it was announced that a further 59 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland have died, bringing the total death toll to 1,159. A further 229 new cases were confirmed.

“I don’t think I’d be out of school by saying that those numbers just aren’t good enough yet.” said the Taoiseach.