The Taoiseach has confirmed the current Covid 19 restrictions will continue until the 5th March.
Micheál Martin says it’s being done to reduce the pressure on our hospitals and critical care units.
Taoiseach confirms current covid restrictions will continue until 5th March and says hospital numbers will remain high despite this; until the end of Feb pic.twitter.com/UoPatQndKz
— Stephanie Rohan (@StephGrogan3) January 26, 2021
Ministers are also set to sign off on mandatory isolation for people who arrive into Ireland without a negative PCR test and those travelling from South Africa and Brazil.
It's expected all current restrictions will stay in place, including construction.
The re-opening of special education and the wider school system was left more open-ended as negotiations between the Department and unions continue.
The cabinet sub-committee also approved mandatory two weeks quarantining for anyone arriving into the country without a negative PCR test.
Fines of 2,500 euro or a 6-month prison sentence could also apply.
The same rules will apply to anyone coming from Brazil or South Africa.
Passengers will have to quarantine at state-chosen hotels - but will be able to leave if they get a negative PCR test after 5 days.
Mandatory self-isolation for all passengers will become a legal requirement, with spot checks and fines by gardaí.
There will be increased garda presence near ports and airports to question people as to whether their trips are essential, and they will be able to hand out increased fines.
The measures are all expected to be approved by cabinet this morning but may take some time to implement.
