Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said he feels the spread of Covid could get worse if levels of socialising rise over Christmas.
Dr Holohan said that there is still a huge strain on the health system, and the high number of cases could lead to more severe disease over the coming weeks.
He penned his concerns in a letter to Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet),
He wrote said that the overall epidemiological situation is concerning.
“Ireland remains vulnerable to a further deterioration in the disease profile depending on a number of factors, including levels of social contact in the coming weeks and over the festive period, adherence to basic public health protective measures and levels of immunity across the population.
“The number of confirmed cases in ICU and requiring mechanical ventilation is also high. Given the recent trajectory in terms of the disease profile, these indicators of severe disease may increase further in the coming weeks and will require ongoing close monitoring.”
Publicans as well as hotel and restaurant owners are awaiting any possible further announcements on restrictions depending on Covid numbers.
The Government has already introduced a midnight curfew on bars and restaurants in a bid to clamp down on the area of the virus.
