Covid-19 restrictions on travel and household visits have been eased today - but new measures could be introduced after Christmas.
People can now travel beyond county boundaries, while up to three households can meet indoors.
The measures were due to stay in place until January 6th - but NPHET wants household mixing limited to two households before the new year.
It has also advised government to close restaurants and gastropubs after Christmas in response to rising rates of the virus.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan hasn't ruled out more restrictions in January:
Concerns have been raised over large Covid outbreaks linked to places like Christmas parties, funerals and workplaces.
The five-day average of cases is now 387 and the reproduction number has increased to between 1.1 and 1.3.
Health officials say there are concerning early warning signs and there's a high risk of a surge in January.
Dr Deirdre Mulholland, a director of public health with the HSE, says they're coming across large numbers of cases in some areas:
