NPHET will meet today to advise the government on the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions this Friday.
So-called 'Freedom Day' would see many of the last remaining rules lifted, such as limits on large gatherings and night-time openings for pubs and nightclubs.
It comes amid rising infection rates and hospitalisations, with 1,380 new cases confirmed yesterday, and 470 covid patients in hospital.
A final decision on lifting restrictions will be made by Cabinet tomorrow.
Infectious Diseases expert, Professor Sam McConkey says opening everything on October 22nd wouldn't be wise.
"I think there's unfortunately, and maybe the Government have contributed to this, a general narrative in some people's head that on 22nd of October that everything opens up, SARS-CoV-2 is over.
"It's almost like Boris Johnson's 'Freedom Day' - that would be a really bad idea.
"I think we should delete that thought from our heads."
