A Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for 1pm on Friday to make a decision about exiting Level Five.
It's expected a formal announcement will then be made around 6pm that evening.
Government sources hope the announcement and press conference will be finished well before the Late Late Toy Show that night.
Christmas
The Tanaiste says the Government wants people to have as normal a Christmas, as is safely possible.
Senior Ministers are now considering allowing three households to gather for Christmas.
Leo Varadkar says he want people to be able to meet their family and friends for a two week period over Christmas.
Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe says further restrictions could be needed next year if the spread of Covid continues while we wait on a vaccine.
