Cabinet agrees on full April-style lockdown after stark warnings about public health

With some exceptions, such as classes for children with special needs, schools will remain shut until January 31 as part of the full lockdown agreed by the Cabinet. Picture: Larry Cummins

A return to a full April-style lockdown has been agreed by the Cabinet after stark warnings over public health.

Schools are to remain shut until January 31, with exceptions made for classes for children with special needs, and Leaving Cert students. Those sitting the Leaving Cert will attend school for three days a week, with the other two days of education provided online. Non-essential construction will be stopped from 6pm on Friday, with exceptions made for essential health and related projects, social housing, housing adaptation grants, and essential repair, maintenance, and construction to businesses and places of residence.