The leaders of the three governing coalition parties are to meet Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan today to discuss the recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team to place the country on Level 5 restrictions - the highest level in the 'Living with Covid-19 Plan'.
NEPHET's recommendation will first be considered by the Covid-19 oversight group, which is made up of Ireland's top civil servants.
A final decision rests with Cabinet, which currently, is not due to meet until tomorrow. Level 5 would see all but essential retail outlets closed, social gatherings would be restricted and people would only be allowed to exercise within 5km of their homes.