The plan is aimed at relieving pressure on HSE testing centres.
Close contacts could soon be asked to take an antigen test at home.
The HSE confirmed yesterday it has a plan in place if its community testing demand exceeds 20,000 people a day needing a Covid-19 test.
The Irish Independent reports close contacts would be given a pack of 5 antigen tests to take home with instructions.
If they test positive they would then complete a PCR test
They would use antigen tests over a number of days and if clear after 10 days they can stop restricting their movements.
