NPHET has recommended an indoor social lockdown for children under 12.
In its letter to Government, it says for at least the next two weeks indoor gatherings should be avoided for young people and includes nativities, indoor birthday parties, and sleepovers.
The Chief Medical Officer wrote to the Health Minister last night saying, "for at least the next two weeks, indoor community gatherings should be avoided for children aged 12 and younger; examples of which include communions or similar events, nativity performances, and other comparable indoor seasonal events.
"In addition, sleepovers and indoor birthday parties and playdates should be avoided, although the latter may take place outdoors and should ideally be kept to small numbers
Children over the age of nine are to be asked to wear masks in school, in shops, and on public transport - as well as in school for those in third class and above.
The rules on mask-wearing will be reassessed in mid-February.
It's understood NPHET has also recommended the wider use of digital Covid certs for settings where the virus could spread.
While they weren't specific - it could apply to the likes of gyms, barbers, and hairdressers.
NPHET hasn't recommended any new restrictions on wider society - instead, that will be considered at a meeting next week.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and the Cabinet will now consider the advice.
