The Cabinet is set to approve a plan that will allow for the reopening of restaurants and gastro pubs, most likely on Monday 7 December.
But it is expected that household gatherings will not be permitted until 18 December. New rules are also expected around the distance between tables in premises and the amount of time customers can stay there will be reduced.
From next Wednesday all shops and hairdressers can open and people will be able to travel within their county and attend religious services.
It follows a five hour meeting last night of the Covid-19 Cabinet sub-committee. Latest coronavirus stories The Government had been warned by the National Public Health Emergency Team of the risks of reopening the hospitality sector, but the