![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/2.58677605.jpg\")
Level 5 restrictions are set to be eased on Monday just under four months since they were introduced for the third time on Christmas Eve.<\/p>\nLevel 5 restrictions are set to be eased on Monday just under four months since they were introduced for the third time on Christmas Eve.<\/p>\n
Since last December, the return of some children to schools and some construction work have been the only exceptions to the pandemic restrictions.<\/p>\n
Monday will see the 5km travel limit relaxed to allow people to travel anywhere within their county, or up to 20km if crossing into another county.<\/p>\n
People from two households will be allowed to meet up outdoors for social and recreational purposes, however the Government has insisted that private gardens remain off limits.<\/p>\n
All schoolchildren are to return to in-class learning from Monday, while construction on housing and essential projects will also resume.<\/p>\n
Further easing of restrictions is expected on April 19th and April 26th.<\/p>\n
Saturday saw 14 further deaths linked to Covid-19 in Ireland and an additional 455 confirmed cases, the Department of Health said.<\/p>\n
Of the deaths reported on Saturday, three occurred in April, one in March, six in February, and four in January.<\/p>\n
The median age of those who died was 72.5 years and the age range was 55-90 years.<\/p>\n
There has now been a total of 4,783 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland, and 240,643 confirmed cases.<\/p>\n
Head of the HSE Paul Reid also confirmed there were 208 patients with Covid-19 in hospital, 51 of whom were being treated in ICU.<\/p>\n
“We could be on a good trend with the early benefits of the vaccines reducing the sickness levels for the most vulnerable,” Mr Reid tweeted.<\/p>\n
“The light is shining a little brighter for now,” he added.<\/p>\n