Ireland extends COVID-19 lockdown to May 18

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar worked as a doctor for seven years. /Ludovic Marin/AFP Pool/AP

Ireland has extended a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 from May 5 to May 18, after which it will begin a gradual phase down of the restrictions.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced the plans to reopen the country in a press briefing on Friday saying the extension of the lockdown would further help to tackle the disease.

After May 18, residents are expected to be allowed to venture outdoors for physical exercise and limited movement.

In his briefing, Varadkar also announced that the country’s schools and learning institutions will remain shut down until at least September.

The Cabinet will meet again tomorrow to discuss how to help businesses through the continued lockdown

Source(s): AFP