NPHET will meet today to discuss some restrictions.

The government is reportedly "on course" to extend the country's main lockdown measures. The Irish Times reports that Ireland's current restrictions will likely be extended until at least late May due to the ongoing vaccine shortage. Some measures, such as those imposed on the construction sector and around nursing home visits, could be lifted by April, but this will likely depend on Covid case numbers leading into March. Both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told their respective parliamentary party meetings last night that efforts to acquire additional vaccines had proven futile. Martin reportedly said that “there is no magic tree when it comes to vaccines," while Varadkar said that a decision on easing restrictions would not be made until the week before April. He added that these restrictions would be in place to ensure that schools and childcare facilities can remain open. Attendees added that the government is "on course" to extend main restrictions, but that the 5km rule, construction work, and some outdoor activities may be able to subject to change in April. NPHET is due to meet today to discuss the country's current restrictions, in particular the rules around nursing home visits. No decision about Level 5 will be made until the week before April 5.