The Taoiseach says the Covid situation will get worse before it gets better.
NPHET is warning up to 500 people with the virus could be in ICU by next month in a worst case scenario - and over 200 in the best case.
Ministers have also been given new advice to offer booster vaccines to over 50s and people with underlying conditions.
Speaking on his way into cabinet, Taoiseach Micheal Martin says quick action is needed to ease the pressure on hospitals.
"Case numbers are very high, and the weekly numbers that will inevitably end up in hospital increases with that.
"We've got to make decisions today, but also I think collectively as a society we have to look out for each other, and be very aware that the situation is getting worse, and it will get worse before it gets better."
The cabinet is also discussing work-from-home advice and extending the use of covid certs to gyms and hairdressers.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says plans to make antigen tests cheaper may not be finalised today:
"I don't think that'll be signed off on today, it's something we're working on.
"We want to have a more widespread use of antigen testing, but used in the right way - it's not a panacea, it is in my mind a very useful tool."
