The government will today debate which restrictions they want to bring in for Christmas after huge proposals from NPHET.
A Cabinet sub-committee will take place this afternoon before the full Cabinet make the final decision later today.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin will then make an announcement on Friday evening as to what they have decided to implement.
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The most high-profile recommendation from NPHET is to bring forward the closing time for pubs and restaurants to 5pm - a proposal that hasn't gone down well with many.
Two Government sources have said they believe a 5pm closing curfew is not reasonable.
One senior source has said there will likely be a change to the curfew but not as early as 5pm.
However it will be thrashed out at a meeting soon with Cabinet Ministers and public heath doctors including CMO Dr Tony Holohan.
There has been a major backlash from prominent Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil backbench TDs who are against the proposal of a 5pm closing curfew.
Here is the full list of NPHET recommendations;
Potential new measures
- Close pubs and restaurants at 5pm from next Monday.
- NPHET also advising to curtail all large gatherings which may impact weddings.
- Cultural gatherings should not take place after 5pm (cinema/theatres).
- Cut capacity to 50% or 5,000 people for outdoor event.
- Close contact of confirmed case should restrict movement IF they don’t have booster
- No change to schools
Key things to remember
- Dr Tony Holohan and NPHET members to sit down with Ministers to discuss.
- Emergency Cabinet meeting later today followed by an announcement by the Taoiseach.
- Still advice from NPHET and Government has yet to decide.
