A leading health expert claims the government's current strategy of suppressing Covid-19's likely to lead to a 'rollercoaster of lockdowns'.
It follows news of a new medium-term plan that'll see colour-coded statuses given to areas depending on infection levels.
The Irish Times reports it'll be red, orange, yellow, and blue, with the latter introduced once vaccinations or treatments are available.
The National Public Health Emergency Team will discuss the recent spike in cases in the midlands at a meeting this afternoon.
It'll be NPHET's first since lockdown was put in place in Kildare, Laois and Offaly last Friday.
But UCC Professor Gerry Killeen says the measure isn't enough to eliminate the virus from Ireland: 'A sustain and suppression strategy at best will go on for a very long time and at worst and more likely will lead to a rollercoaster of lockdowns and releases'.
Meanwhile, SIPTU held an emergency meeting with management at Naas General Hospital last night after an outbreak of Covid-19 at the facility.
A ward in the hospital has closed to new admissions, and staff and patients are being tested.
It's reported a member of the hospital's cleaning staff tested positive for the virus in recent days.
Elsewhere, Covid-19 tests on 210 staff members from Carroll's Cuisine in Tullamore, Co Offaly, have all come back negative.
The HSE took the swabs on Sunday as part of a serial testing programme.
Nine other members of staff, who were previously diagnosed with coronavirus, are still isolating.
The company says it's in contact with health officials for advice on the next steps to take - but the plant remains closed.
