#Covid-19: Leo Varadkar has extended the lockdown restrictions until May 5

Leo Varadkar has announced the restrictions have been extended until May 5.

The restrictions had been due to lift on April 12. Speaking in a press conference on Friday afternoon, he thanked everyone for the sacrifices that they have made so far, noting that "every sacrifice that we make is going to save lives." "We cannot be complacent, we cannot lose focus. What we're doing is difficult, but it's making a difference - we have to keep going," he added. It comes as it was confirmed that the Leaving Cert has been postponed until late July or early August, and this year's Junior Cert exams have been cancelled. “All decisions we are taking in relation to rescheduling exams are based on current public health advice and put the best interests of students first. The welfare of students and that of their families is front and centre in all decision making," Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh said. “The final arrangements for the exams, the exam centres, social distancing and other measures will all be determined by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) on foot of public health advice in June. I want to thank the SEC for its efforts to put in place these revised arrangements. “Students and their families have been seeking clarity. Today’s announcement addresses that. It also provides them with several weeks of advance notice to prepare for the examinations. I hope it helps to alleviate some stress being experienced by students and their families at this time. “Asking Leaving Certificate students and their families to refocus their attention from June to August is not something we do lightly. I know it will not be easy. However, I believe it is the fairest way of assessing students and giving them certification of achievement in school and a pathway to higher and further education and training, apprenticeship or work.”<