The Government has decided that any sectors or businesses due to reopen on Friday can do so but with specific protective measures in place.
At a briefing at Government Buildings, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the progress made over the course of the last year is "real and tangible and has to be protected".
The Cabinet met at Dublin Castle earlier to consider the advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team in relation to the planned easing of restrictions.
This Friday was due to see an end to the requirement for physical distancing, or mask wearing outdoors, or indoor, in private settings.