Ireland is in a very dangerous position.

Monday night’s sub-Cabinet meeting set out several measures designed to stop the worsening effects of Covid, as more than 100 people were recorded in intensive care for the first time since March.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s five-hour meeting with his ministers last night was held as 117 people were in the ICU and 4,570 new cases of the virus were reported.

Proposals being brought before the full Cabinet this morning take into account a disturbing worst-case scenario wherein 400-500 people could end up needing intensive care by December, when the virus is expected to peak.

It is expected that, at the very least, somewhere between 200 and 220 people will require ICU beds.

Cabinet will decide on Ireland’s new Covid direction later today, and the following measures will likely be announced.

• The Covid pass system will be extended beyond hospitality to include other discretionary activities, such as gyms and hairdressers
• Cabinet will also discuss a recommendation by the NIAC to expand the booster shot programme by 600,000 shots, to include those between the ages of 50 and 59
• Introduction of subsidised antigen tests for close contacts identified within primary and secondary schools
• A renewed effort to ensure that people wear masks when in crowded settings, whether indoors or outdoors
• issue advice for employees to work from home where possible