NPHET (The National Public Health Emergency Team) has recommended that all non-essential retail should be ordered to close from St. Stephen's Day.

After a meeting yesterday, NPHET advised the Government that tighter Covid-19 restrictions should be implemented, including the closure of all non-essential retail. Under the latest measures announced earlier this week that will run until January 12 at the earliest, non-essential retail outlets were given the go-ahead to stay open with the provision that they defer any January sales events. Despite NPHET's advice, it looks like the Government will stick with their decision earlier this week. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney told Morning Ireland today that while NPHET's advice will be considered at the next Cabinet meeting on December 29, it is "very unlikely" that any changes will be made to restrictions announced on Tuesday. On the same programme, Professor Philip Nolan of NPHET said that he doesn't feel the new measures will be enough to bring the rising Covid-19 numbers under control. READ NEXT: Santa is already on his way - Here's how to track his movements over Ireland