Taoiseach Michael Martin will address the nation at 6pm, where he will announce a local lockdown for Kildare, Laois and Offaly.
It is understood that pubs, restaurants, cinemas, golf clubs and matches will all be banned under the new measures.
It comes after a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team this morning.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn then briefed the Health Minister and the Taoiseach this afternoon.
Mr Martin will be speaking live on RTE One, RTE News Now and RTE Radio One at 6pm.
The three counties accounted for 49 of 69 new cases announced on Thursday when a further five deaths were also revealed - four of which occurred back in May and June – bringing the toll to 1,768.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn revealed another 60 cases linked to the clusters are expected to be confirmed today.
He issued an appeal to people in the counties to be on alert for the symptoms of the virus and said NPHET has directly contacted GPs in the area.
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