The Taoiseach has refused to give a timeline for when a decision will be made on moving the country to level five restrictions.
The cabinet sub-committee on COVID is expected to meet tomorrow afternoon to consider the situation.
A general consensus is emerging in government that they don't believe this decision can be delayed beyond the weekend.
A group of senior ministers will meet tomorrow afternoon with a full cabinet meeting possible after that.
That said Taoiseach Micheál Martin wasn't definitive earlier about when they'll make a decision.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said people can't be left in the lurch.
It is a massive decision with wide reaching consequences, and the government will have to decide whether or not to go against NPHET's advice for a second time.
Minister of State at the Department of Housing and Local Government Peter Burke says the government have to strike a fine balance in considering a move to Level 5.
The Longford Westmeath TD says that public health is paramount but there may be many companies and jobs lost permanently if there’s another lockdown.
