Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and other members of NPHET will meet with the Taoiseach and other high-ranking Ministers at Government Buildings this afternoon.
The country's top doctor will explain why the National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended introducing a Level 5 lockdown for six weeks.
It is understood that the meeting will be attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath.
If such measures are implemented, bars, restaurants and cafes, along will all non-essential retail would close.
Like we saw earlier this year, people would be forced to limit their movements to within 5km of their home.
If the party leaders decide that more measures are needed, a full Cabinet meeting will need to be called.
It comes after Ireland recorded another 1,000 cases on Friday, with the national 14-day incidence rate now at 217.9.
A staggering 13 counties now have an incidence rate higher than 200, while figures in Cavan have soared to 735.1 per 100,000.
The 14-day data for Cavan is now three times the national average.
Donegal and Monaghan, who are currently under a Level Four lockdown with Cavan, also saw major jumps, as did Meath, Clare and Sligo.
Cork, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Westmeath, Kildare and Wexford are also above 200 per 100,000 population.
