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Talks continue over the weekend about Covid-19 restrictions that will be in effect for December, ahead of a government announcement next week.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he wants the country to get out of Level 5 restrictions on December 1.
No decisions have been made on what will replace it, but there is a growing expectation that the country will move to Level 3 starting the week of Tuesday (December 1), with a specific set of recommendations in place for the week of Christmas.
The talks will intensify from Monday, when the three leaders of the coalition party will meet.
This will be followed by a cabinet meeting on Tuesday and a second cabinet meeting later in the week, before a public announcement on Thursday or Friday.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet before any decision is made.
That meeting is scheduled for Thursday, but it is understood that the calendar is not set in stone and could be moved forward.
Engagement with public health officials has taken place and continues throughout the weekend.
The government is also expected to provide guidance next week on people traveling home from abroad for Christmas.
It will be based on the EU traffic light system, which classifies countries based on risk.
Government sources have stressed that it is too early to say what decisions will be made next week and that there are a number of economic, social and public health factors that must be weighed.
But the question of what restrictions should be imposed on bars and restaurants in the run-up to the Christmas period is an important part of those discussions.
There have been strong suggestions that attendance at Masses and other religious gatherings will be allowed during the period.
It is widely accepted that people will be able to travel beyond county lines at Christmas to see loved ones.
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