Ministers are advising people to work from home where they can.
Nightclubs, pubs and restaurants will have new closing hours of 12 midnight from this Thursday under plans agreed by Cabinet.
In the face of stark warnings from NPHET, government ministers have moved to ease the spread of the virus.
Less than a month after lifting the closing time restrictions on the hospitality sector they're being reimposed from this Thursday. Pubs, restaurants and nightclubs will have to close their doors at midnight.
There will be different arrangements for hotel bars.
It's already led to the Restaurants Association of Ireland calling for business supports to be reintroduced due to the lack of trade they'll suffer.
Meanwhile, a new work from home order will be issued from Friday. However, the language will say it has to happen "where practicable" and accepting some businesses won't be able to accommodate that.
A booster vaccine campaign for over 50s has been agreed. Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the meeting there will be capacity for 230,000 jabs a week.
There's also to be changes to rules around close contacts. This means that once there is a confirmed Covid case in a household, everyone in that home will have to stay at home for five days. They'll also be sent antigen tests.
Digital covid certs will not be required for access to gyms, barbers and hairdressers.
They will now be needed for cinemas and theatres.