A professor leading the fight against COVID-19 in Ireland has branded the next 10 days as "critical" as the R number remains high.
Professor Philip Nolan said that the reproduction number has stayed between 1.5 and 1.7 over the last two weeks.
He also added that it was "too early" to report any changes in the pattern of the deadly virus.
The Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said: "While 14-day incidence and daily incidence have stopped rising in the last few days, it is too early to conclude that there has been any change in the pattern of disease. The reproduction number over the last two weeks remains high, at between 1.5 and 1.7, the growth rate between 5 and 6.1, and doubling time between 12 and 14 days.
“If we are starting to suppress the virus again, it is essential that we maintain this effort: limit our social contacts, limit mixing between households. The next ten days are critical."
His stark warning comes as Ireland reported two deaths and 234 new cases today.
Dr Colm Henry said that the public now faces a "more difficult task of suppressing the virus again while trying to protect education and healthcare settings" after flattening the curve earlier in the pandemic.
The HSE's Chief Clinical Officer added: "Every time you reduce your contacts, avoid a crowd, or choose to meet outdoors, or remember to keep your distance, know that you are a part of the frontline that protects our doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and other staff working hard for us all in the Irish healthcare system.”
