Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to mull over a list of new restrictions as fears over the new Omicron variant grow.
Any likely rule changes will be made to slow the spread of the new strain before the Christmas season is in full swing.
It’s understood that a full lockdown is not being considered at this point, and any additions to the existing rules will be focused mainly on travel into Ireland.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed on Monday evening that eleven Covid samples had been sent for further investigation as they had traits potentially associated with Omicron.
As of Monday night, several other European countries had already reported cases.
Minister Donnelly has said "it is likely" that the new Covid variant is in Ireland and that "we will be identifying cases here in the coming days".
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has said he is "concerned" about the impact the fourth Covid wave is having on Irish hospitals - but offered some hope for the public with a boost about the vaccine rollout.
It’s understood that all passengers entering Ireland will likely need a negative Covid test going forward, as well as updates to the existing measures.
The government is expected to agree on a number of restrictions NPHET has already lined up which, according to RTE News, include:
- play-dates will still be an option or a day out to the panto - but not both under potential new advice
- mask-wearing from third class and up - with an exemption for children with additional needs
- people arriving into Ireland may only be granted access with proof of a negative Covid test taken a maximum of 72 hours before arriving
a ten-day isolation period for anyone living with a person who has returned to Ireland from one of the seven countries in southern Africa
- re-introduction of mandatory hotel quarantine for some passengers
