The Department of Health's expert group on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) will meet today to discuss preparedness for an outbreak of the virus.
New guidelines for the management of suspected cases and discussion on whether or not to ban athletes from SARS-affected areas travelling to the Special Olympics in the Republic in June are among the items to be discussed.
The confusion last week over whether a Chinese woman with SARS-like symptoms was a suspect or probable case is also likely to be examined, with a new communications strategy expected.
Last Friday, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, accused doctors of putting patients lives at risk and of a "total abandonment of responsibility".
Department of Health officials and IMO representatives held informal talks over the weekend.
This morning will also see the opening of information desks dealing with SARS at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
Protocols for immigration officers who may face suspected cases arriving into the State will be clarified over the coming days. They will also be issued with protective masks.
An information helpline on SARS is likely to be operating by tomorrow.