3A.—The Government may, at the request of the Minister made after consultation with the Minister for Health, from time to time, by order extend the interim period, either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision, for such period as they consider appropriate if they are satisfied that, having regard to—

(a) the threat to public health presented by Covid-19,

(b) the highly contagious nature of that disease,

(c) the need to restrict the movement of persons in order to prevent the spread of the disease among the population and the effect that such restriction may have on travel and meetings, and

(d) the need to mitigate the economic effects arising from Covid-19,

the making of such order is in the public interest.]