The national lockdown is expected to be extended by another two weeks after 5th May.
The measures are due to be announced on Friday ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.
The government is also expected to outline plans for a phased lifting of restrictions in the months to come – if coronavirus prevention targets are met.
Any lifting of restrictions will be minimal from 5th May, but older people are expected to be allowed to leave their homes once a day for exercise, while keeping up with social distancing.
Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said decisions will be ‘down to the wire’.
Speaking yesterday, Dr Holohan said if the May 5th deadline were to fall yesterday, considering the number of hospital and ICU admissions, there would be no change in restrictions.
“Hopefully as the week goes on we will continue to see improvements,” he said.
“The trends are encouraging but we need to see further progress. We understand there has been frustration. We want to encourage people to continue to work with us.
“It is down to the wire. I haven’t made my mind up and I am only one voice. We will have a discussion tomorrow and wait as long as possible.”
Meanwhile, there is a growing concern in the government that the general public is becoming frustrated with the duration of the lockdown.
Liz Canavan, a senior official in the Department of the Taoiseach, said: “We are aware of reports on social media that some people are getting fed up of the social distancing measures, feeling confined, stuck in the house or a local area, having to queue up to get into shops.
“It is frustrating and we know people’s patience and resolve is waning.”
Ms Canavan added: “We know that every day we are putting out that call for solidarity and community spirit, as well as personal and collective behavioural change, inventiveness and resilience from all of you. This is what is required of each and every one of us at each step to delay the transmission of COVID-19.
“We know, that call hasn’t fallen on deaf ears so far; we complied with the restrictions and have succeeded in reducing the spread of infection.
“For now, we just need to keep going as best we can.”
