The Tanaiste is hoping people will be able to visit their family and friends for the two weeks around Christmas.
The Government is considering allowing up to three separate households to gather.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has been meeting to give its recommendations on how to exit Level 5.
But ultimately it’s up to the Government to decide and Ministers are considering allowing up to three separate households to gather over Christmas.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar says they hope to relax restrictions more then and allow visits for the two weeks over Christmas before tightening the rules again.
The Tanaiste also confirmed retail, gyms, and hairdressers will reopen first saying it’ll be hair-cuts and shopping before nights out.
Hotels , restaurants and bars that serve food are expected to follow later.
Wet pubs could stay closed for the rest of the year.
A Government announcement about exiting Level 5 is expected to be made on Friday evening at around 6.
