The government is meeting to discuss the NPHET recommendations today.
The Government party leaders will meet with the Chief Medical Officer today to discuss recommendations from NPHET that the entire country move to level 5 restrictions.
The leaders of the three Government parties will discuss the advice with CMO Dr Tony Holohan later, while the recommendation will then go before Cabinet.
Independent TD, Michael McNamara, who chairs the Covid committee, says the public needs to know what’s going on.
''I think they have a lot of explaining to do and we need to communicate very clearly to all as people.
''And I also think representatives of people need to here why they're deeming this necessary, because this as draconian as it can be''.
While Professor Anthony Staines from DCU says a lot of Europe is moving towards stricter lockdowns.
''There are lockdowns in Madrid and there are lockdowns in Paris, as I speak there's a serious proposal for lockdown in Northern Ireland'', he said.
''Now, I don't think lockdowns are the right approach by the way, I think the right approach is to have a to have a very carefully thought out well explained plan that says how are we getting suppression and where do we go at the end of that.''
This is what nationwide level 5 restrictions would look like:
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden
Own household only - no visitors.
Other settings outside your home or garden
No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.
Weddings
Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Organised indoor gatherings
These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager.
For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).
No organised indoor gatherings should take place.
Organised outdoor gatherings
These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor Arts events, training events.
No organised outdoor gatherings should take place.
Exercise and sporting events
Training
Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.
Matches and events
No matches or events to take place.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools
Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals
Up to 10 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All venues closed.
Online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery only.
Wet pubs
Take away or delivery only.
Nightclubs, discos, casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face coverings must be worn.
Essential retail only. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work
Work from home unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay at home.
Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.
Schools, creches and higher and adult education
Open with protective measures in place.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
Open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face coverings must be worn.
Walk or cycle where possible.
Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%.
Avoid public transport - essential workers and essential purposes only.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with outhers and in activities outside home. Specific guidance will be issued.
Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)
Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
