The reopening of all pubs, bars, nightclubs and casinos has been deferred until 10 August. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was decided not to move to Phase 4 of reopening society and business next Monday as had been planned.
The rate of transmission of the disease in the country is now estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.8, and the Government says a priority is to get it back below 1.
The Licensed Vintners Association said the decision to delay the reopening of all pubs was a "hammer blow" and that the very future of the pub trade in the country is now at stake.
In a statement, it said: "Some 7,000 pubs and 50,000 jobs are now dependent of a meaningful and urgent response from the new Government." It said pubs were the first sector to close,