NPHET has recommended the entire country move to level five restrictions for four weeks.
Government party leaders are set to meet the CMO to discuss it tomorrow.
After a lengthy NPHET meeting this afternoon and evening public health officials have recommended putting the entire country back into a full lockdown.
The meeting, chaired by CMO Dr Tony Holohan, said all counties should move to level five restrictions for four weeks in response to the escalating number of new cases.
The recommendation has caught the government by surprise, and the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Green Party leader will meet with Dr Holohan to discuss it tomorrow.
They want to know why such an escalation is needed, given no such measures were deemed appropriate at NPHET's last meeting on Thursday.
They're also conscious of the economic and social impact another lockdown would have.
Under level five all pubs and restaurants would have to close and do delivery only.
All shops except for essential retail will have to close, no social visits to people would be allowed.
All but essential work must be done from home and people would be told to stay at home in all circumstances except for food shopping and exercise within five kilometres of your home.
It's expected party leaders will meet the CMO tomorrow before the cabinet considers whether or not to implement the recommendation.
