A full Level 5 lockdown is on the cards before the new year, as the Cabinet meets today over “galloping” Covid figures.
The Government is likely to close all non-essential shops and services, reintroduce 5km restrictions, and extend the UK travel ban.
People may be asked to leave their home only for exercise or essential purposes, although one minister insisted that the prolonged closure of schools had not been considered. Gyms and other fitness facilities are likely to close.
It comes as primary school teachers’ union, the INTO called for schools to remain shut until Monday, January 11, at the earliest because of the “alarming increase” in Covid cases.
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The Taoiseach announced the latest Level 5 measures tonight after an emergency Cabinet meeting concludes.
The third wave of Covid-19 is now rampant throughout the country, even after health chiefs asked people to reconsider their plans over the festive period.
Today saw the highest number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic at 1,718 and there have been 60 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours.
There are currently 455 people in hospital, with 37 in ICU.
A total of 103,702 people were tested in Ireland last week, reaching the country’s testing capacity.
Prior to Christmas, Level 5 restrictions with some modifications were agreed by Cabinet - which saw restaurants and gastropubs close, however non-essential retail and gyms were allowed to stay open and travel limits extended to within the county.
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Farming Independent understands that talks between Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath on the package have to date focused on insulating farmers from any market disturbance resulting from either a Deal or No Deal Brexit.
According to Government sources, the package would also look to address how the industry could keep supplying food to the lucrative UK market should a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) not be reached.
It comes as the meat industry last week called for a Tariff Support Mechanism to be introduced to ensure that Irish meat exports can continue to supply the UK market.