The Cabinet will today consider a proposal that would strongly advise people to work from home. The move is being described as far-reaching and people will be advised to attend a workplace only when it is necessary.
It follows close to five hours of discussions among the Taoiseach, ministers and health officials at the Cabinet Covid Committee last night.
The Government was last night presented with the prospect that rising Covid-19 numbers could mean that up to 500 people would require ICU care next month. Latest coronavirus stories The best case scenario projected between 200 to 220 people needing ICU beds, with 1,100 to 1,200 requiring hospital care at a point next month.