The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended that all counties be moved to level coronavirus restrictions.
The Cabinet will meet later to discuss the advice.
Level five is the most severe option available in the Government's Living With COVID-19 plan.
A move to level five would be a significant escalation, as most of the country is currently only on level two restrictions.
Dublin and Donegal are the only two counties on level three.
At level 5, the public health risk means people will be asked to stay at home, except to exercise within five kilometres their home.
There will also be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings.
What exactly would level five mean for people?
Social and family gatherings
In your home or garden with your own household only - no visitors allowed.
There would also be no social or family gatherings in other settings outside your home or garden.
Domestic travel restrictions
People will be told to stay at home and only exercise within five kilometres of their home.
Weddings
Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Funerals
Up to 10 mourners can attend.
Organised indoor gatherings
No organised indoor gatherings should take place.
Organised outdoor gatherings
No organised outdoor gatherings should take place.
Exercise and sporting events
Training: Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.
Matches and events: No matches or events to take place.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools: Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools closed.
Religious services
Services will be held online with places of worship remaining open for private prayer.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All venues closed with online services available.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
Take away food or delivery only.
Wet pubs
Take away or delivery only.
Nightclubs, discos, casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Open only for those with essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face coverings must be worn.
Essential retail only - such as pharmacies and supermarkets - would be open. All other retail and personal services closed.
Work
People should work from home - unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service - and cannot be done from home.
Schools, creches and higher and adult education
Open with protective measures in place.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks
Open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face coverings must be worn, walk or cycle where possible.
Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%.
People asked to avoid public transport - it is for essential workers and essential purposes only.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable individuals
Those aged over 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with outhers and in activities outside home.
The Government says specific guidance will be issued.
Visiting long-term residential care facilities (nursing and care homes)
Suspended, aside from critical and compassionate circumstances.
