The Cabinet will meet this afternoon to consider increased restrictions ahead of Christmas.
NPHET has recommended limits on how many people can meet in a home, and a return to last year's rules on hospitality.
Dark humour from some in Government, with a senior official answering the phone with 'Merry Restrictmas'.
NPHET has recommended curbs on socialising until at least January.
That would include bringing hospitality back where it was a number of months ago - with table service only, no booking multiple tables, earlier closing times and the effective closure of nightclubs.
The Taoiseach met the hospitality sector earlier, with Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO Adrian Cummins saying supports were promised:
"The EWS scheme was looked at length. A re-structed CRSS was looked at, as well as commercial rates waiver."
NPHET has also recommended limiting meet ups in homes to a total of four households, and the extension of the Digital Covid Certs to access other services, possibly including gyms and hairdressers.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee says a decision will be made after a 3pm Cabinet meeting:
"We don't want there to be speculation over the weekend, that in itself can cause confusion."
It's expected the Taoiseach will address the nation this evening to announce the changes.
