TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has told the Cabinet there are no indications that Covid-19 levels are low enough to allow any easing of the restrictions next week.

He briefed colleagues on the current situation as ministers debated the Government's next moves when the lockdown period is due to expire on May 5.

1 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

There have been 1,102 Covid-19 deaths in Ireland Credit: Reuters

It came on a day when a further 59 deaths were announced, bringing the total since the outbreak began to 1,159.

Another 229 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed, taking the total to 19,877.

Experts on the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) also met on Tuesday to discuss the restrictions.

They will convene again on Friday to agree recommendations to Government on whether there should be any easing of the lockdown come May 5.

The Cabinet will hold a special meeting later that day to finalise its decision on the restrictions before an announcement is made.

If any relaxations are agreed, it is anticipated they will be minimal.

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