NPHET is expected to recommend more Covid restrictions when it meets this morning.
They'll consider tightening the rules on household visits and hospitality events ahead of Christmas.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is warning the Omicron wave could be worse than the peak of the Delta wave in January.
The new variant accounts for about 13% of new cases here.
Dr David Nabarro, from the World Health Organisation, says Ireland's Covid crisis will worsen.
"I think there will be, over the coming four weeks or so, an increase of the daily numbers of Covid in Ireland.
"I think there will be an increase in the number of people who are going into hospitals, and perhaps into ICUs as well.
"I think the real worry is that health services are going to be stretched that bit more."
