A major Covid rule change is expected in the coming days as Cabinet are expected to meet to discuss the removal of the requirement to wear face masks.
The news comes after NPHET recommended the last of the Covid restrictions to be lifted.
Face masks will no longer be required in settings such as schools, shops, on public transport and in the workplace. However, they will still be needed in healthcare settings.
In a letter addressed to Minister Stephen Donnelly, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan advised dropping the rule from February 28.
Cabinet ministers will decide whether or not to wait until the end of the month to remove the rule and could choose to make the changes earlier.
Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan has said he is behind the government removing the rule "straight away", meaning a decision could be made as soon as Monday.
The move is a positive update as Ireland fully reopens after almost two years of lockdowns and restrictions.
On Sunday, the number of people being treated in the ICU fell to the lowest level recorded since Sepbeterm 4, 2021.
Currently, there are just 52 Covid patients in ICU, down three from yesterday.
However, a total of 595 people are being treated in hospitals with Covid, which is an increase of 16 from Saturday.
Elsewhere, the Covid vaccination portal has now been opened to parents and guardians of children aged between five and 11-years-old to book a vaccine appointment.
Before this, parents were required to register with the Health Service Executive and were offered appointments at a time that may not have suited them.
Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of Public Health, National Immunisation Office, said: "The HSE is now expanding access to clinics for parents and guardians of children, aged 5 – 11, with our online booking option.
"It will give them an opportunity to bring their child for the vaccine at a time that suits them. We appreciate that parents/guardians are busy, and we want to help make it as accessible as possible.
"Next week's midterm also gives parents another option to bring their children for a Covid-19 vaccine, and we are encouraging parents and guardians to bring them along to one of our vaccination centres."
Damien McCallion, HSE National Lead for Vaccinations, said: "We understand that parents want information about the Covid-19 vaccine for this age group and would always encourage parents to find this information from trusted sources such as the hse.ie
"Today, we are offering parents the opportunity to choose a time and clinic that suits them, we understand that parents are busy and this will give them more flexibility."
