The Irish Times reports the plan, agreed at a Cabinet sub-committee yesterday, will see colour-coded statuses given to areas depending on its levels of coronavirus.
However a blue status will only come into effect when vaccinations or treatments are available.
Meanwhile NPHET will discuss the recent spike in the midlands, and the clusters in meat factories at a meeting later.
It's also likely it'll discuss the government's plans to ban non-essential travel from countries with high rates of the virus.
Infectious diseases consultant Eoghan de Barra supports the proposed 'red list':
