A mixture of both Level 4 and 5 restrictions is expected to be announced for the entire country today.
Donegal is currently under Level 4 restrictions but even more conditions are expected to be added by the Government today.
It is not expected that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET’s) recommendation to move to Level 5 for a six week period will be accepted.
A Government source said it is likely the Cabinet will settle on the introduction of Level 4 restrictions across the country with some additions, with the closure of outdoor dining and a travel limit under consideration.
It is understood that Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath are in favour of not going beyond Level 4.
However, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar is understood to be in favour of a move to the strictest of measures.
Many are seeking a six week lockdown in time to save Christmas for retailers and the public.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has said the Government will act to bring in new restrictions today.
Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, Mr Harris said: “The Government will act tomorrow, the action will be decisive and the action will be right across the country, it will be nationwide.
“It’s clear now that the virus is at such a level in all our communities that a county-by-county approach will not be sufficient, so tomorrow we will have to bring in more restrictions”.
Mr Harris said that Level 3 restrictions, which are in place across the country, have “not worked in terms of getting the virus to where it needs to get to”.
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