Coronavirus: Ireland puts brakes on easing lockdown amid 'real concern' - BBC News
The Republic of Ireland will not move forward into Phase 4 of its roadmap, the taoiseach confirms.
The Republic of Ireland has decided not to move forward to Phase 4 of its roadmap for easing lockdown amid concerns about the spread of Covid-19.

"This virus has not changed, indiscriminate in its cruelty and relentless," said the taoiseach.

"The concern about the rise in cases in recent weeks is very real, the R (reproductive) number has risen above 1 in this country," Micheál Martin said.

Mr Martin said the Irish cabinet had agreed that current public health measures should remain in place and the Republic of Ireland would not progress to Phase 4 of the agreed roadmap.

He was speaking following a meeting with his cabinet colleagues on Wednesday evening.

The five key priorities identified by Irish government are:

Phase 4 of Ireland's plan to move out of lockdown - which could have seen pubs that do not serve food reopen- was due to start on Monday.

It comes as two further Covid-19-related deaths were recorded in the Republic - the death toll is now 1,748.

Pubs will not now reopen until 10 August

Fourteen new cases of coronavirus have also been recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 25,683.

Pubs and hotel bars operating as restaurants have already been allowed to reopen, under Phase 3. They are only allowed to serve alcohol to customers who purchase a "substantial" meal.

The news that the country will not move forward comes amid concerns about a rising number of new cases of the virus - particularity in young people - since lockdown eased and the Republic of Ireland opened up again.

There has been an increase in the number of clusters of Covid-19 in private households, particularly in the last week.

Currently a maximum of 50 people are allowed to gather indoors. This had been due to rise to 100 on 20 July.

Some 200 people can gather outside. This had been due to increase to 500 in Phase 4 of the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The increase in the size of crowds permitted would have allowed cultural and arts facilities, such as theatres, cinemas and galleries, to reopen their doors.
• None Ireland to further ease restrictions on Monday