Parents are expected to be asked to choose between playdates and pantomimes, to help reduce their child's close contacts.
It's part of measures to be considered at Cabinet this morning, amid a warning of very high Covid infection rates in 5 to 11-year-olds.
Our political correspondent Sean Defoe says parents will be encouraged to arrange just one extra activity a week for their children:
"Children may be allowed to go to the pantomime this week and then wait to do a playdate next week, for example."
Cabinet also due to make a call tomorrow on NPHET advice around reducing social contacts for children. Health officials gave their rationale and said infection rates among 5 to 11 year olds and their parents is still high
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 29, 2021
"The thinking there is that they're asking adults to cut their close contacts and now trying to do the same for children."
Also under plans being considered by cabinet this morning, children over 9 may be asked to wear masks in school, on public transport and in shops - though it won't be a legal requirement.
Consultant in infectious diseases, Dr Eoghan DeBarra, says primary school children have the highest infection numbers at the minute.
He said the measures are being taken to avoid school closures.
