New nationwide COVID-19 restrictions will be announced by the Government this evening.
Schools are expected to stay open, with the importance of education being stressed by ministers in recent days.
It's likely pubs and restaurants will move to takeaway only. Most non essential retail will also close.
Restrictions on movement further than 5 or 10 kilometres from your home are also being considered.
Cabinet will meet at 4pm to discuss the proposals, before a late evening announcement.
A petition to classify gyms and fitness centres as 'essential services' has reached over 27,000 signatures.
The group, called Independent Gym Owners Ireland, has called for them to remain open during Covid restrictions.
The petition raises concerns that a possible second lockdown would impact many people both physically and mentally.
It claims that the opportunity to exercise can be an outlet for stress, anxiety and depression.
