Health chiefs are urging people to plan ahead for the winter months as the country learns to live with the coronavirus.
And particular attention has been drawn to big events such as Halloween and Christmas as more cases are confirmed each day.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn this evening moved to urge people that the National Public Health Emergency Team was in no way 'cancelling' the milestone events.
However he did signal that advice will be issued to the public as to what behaviour they should undertake when those events roll around later this year.
Speaking this evening Dr Glynn said: "Let there be no message going out of this press conference this evening that NPHET is cancelling Halloween or Christmas.
"I've seen some social media comment that it's only a matter of time before we tell people how to trick or treat.
He added that many people have "internalised" the public health messages and that "they know what they need to do to keep themselves safe".
"I'm sure as it comes closer to the time we can give some specific messages to help people socialise and do things safely around that time.
"It comes back to the key message that the single greatest predictor of how safe or otherwise it will be to participate in activities at Halloween or Christmas or any other time is the underlying circulating levels of the virus."
Meanwhile Professor Pete Lunn, founder and head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, said; “Now is the time to plan for the winter months ahead.
"Take control of your own environment by ensuring your household is up to date on, and actioning, the public health advice.
"Make it a habit to get outside, to socialise and exercise safely and automatically physically distance from others. Adapt to covid-responsible behaviours in and out of the home.
“Plan for the milestones; such as Halloween, Christmas and New Years Eve within a COVID-19 environment.
"Be innovative in how you can celebrate safely with loved ones.
“This year will bring added challenges so prioritise your mental and physical health, know how you will invest in them each week.
“Choose your close network of social visitors this winter and prioritise members of your family or friends who may be more isolated.”
