Level 5 public health restrictions will remain in place until April 5th.
Addressing the nation, Taoiseach Micheál Martin gave details of what the next 6 weeks will look like.
All Schools Will Be Fully Reopened After Easter Break
As expected, schools will open its doors to Junior Infants to Second Class children from March first.
Sixth year classes will also be back in the classroom that day.
The plan for return to schools… pic.twitter.com/geUsbVKBhe
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 23, 2021
Meanwhile, third, fourth, fifth and sixth class along with fifth year students will resume their in-person schooling on March 15th.
The rest of secondary school students will return after the Easter break.
Early Childhood Preschool Programmes can reopen on March 8th while other childcare must wait until March 29th to return.
Gov Aims To Administer 1m Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine A Month
The Taoiseach also revealed the government's aims in the vaccine roll out.
The Government aim to administer 1.25 million doses by the end of next month.
Taoiseach Martin says the vaccination programme "will completely change the landscape" for reopening society.
Depending on the vaccine arriving as scheduled, the HSE hope to administer more than 1million doses per month for the following three month.
This will see 47% of adults receiving their first dose by the end of April.
And by the end of June, 82% will have got their first jab.
More than half, 55-60%, of people will be fully vaccinated by then.
The Taoiseach said he understands why people are frustrated but he appealed to people be patient.
Financial Supports To Continue
The Fianna Fáil leader also gave some reassurance to people and businesses effected by the continuous lockdowns.
All various support schemes which were scheduled to close on March 31st have been extended until the end of June.
So, optimistic on vaccines, schools and creches. And that's about it
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) February 23, 2021
€20million euro has been put aside for mental health supports and investment in communities.
Taoiseach Encourages Public To Keep Their Efforts
Taoiseach Martin also used the address to make an appeal to the public.
Standing behind the microphone he said "We will get through this".
"We just need to stay focussed, and get through these next few months, safely, together."
"I know how hard it is".
He said he the end is sight.
Concluding Micheál Martin repeated his promise - "We will get through this".
