Senior Ministers are meeting with health officials to finalise the details of new restrictions for the country.
Most shops are expected to close for around a month, impacting on hundreds of thousands of workers across the country.
Clare’s Sinn Féin TD insists that any new public health measures must be matched by additional support for those affected.
Clare FM’s Rebecca O’Sullivan Reports:
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A meeting between the coalition party leaders, a number of senior ministers, the Chief Medical Officer and the head of the HSE got underway in the past hour.
It’s understood they’re finalising the details of a plan that would move Ireland beyond level four restrictions.
The government is unlikely to accept the NPHET recommendation of level five for six weeks, and instead implement a level four plus scheme for three or four weeks, but a review at the end of that time means in practice it could be longer.
The full cabinet is due to meet at 4pm before an announcement late this evening.
Gyms are also expected to be shut while pubs and restaurants will be takeaway only.
Most shops will be told to close, but schools, creches and essential retail outlets will stay open.
The government has been examining social bubbles that would allow people to visit close family, provide care or check in with lonely and vulnerable people.
The Clare-based Chair of the Covid 19 Oireachtas Committee is concerned about any further restrictions.
Scariff Independent TD, Michael McNamara is worried some people won’t keep to them.
Clare’s Sinn Féin TD has criticised the Government’s slow response to NPHET’s recommendation to move to level 5 a fortnight ago.
Violet Ann Wynne says any measures implemented now must be matched with additional supports and she believes the Pandemic Unemployment payment is one area where the Government is falling short.
HSE figures show meanwhile that 298 people with Covid-19 were being treated in Irish hospitals this morning, an increase of 24 since yesterday.
It’s the highest number of patients in wards since May 25th.
13 of those were being treated at University Hospital Limerick.
Across the country, 31 people with the disease were in intensive care units last night, including 1 in the ICU at Dooradoyle.
