Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn has given advice to the public for the festive season as Covid-19 cases skyrocket.
Yesterday over 7,000 cases were recorded in Ireland, the highest since January. Case numbers are expected to continue to rise over the coming days.
Dr Glynn has urged the public to follow five key steps to keep "yourself and your loved ones as safe as possible" over the Christmas period.
He admitted this "is a difficult message at this time" but said it is "important if we are to keep each other safe."
He said on Twitter today: "Incidence of #COVID19 is now increasing across all age groups. Here are 5 things you can do to keep yourself & your loved ones as safe as possible.
"1. If you have even mild symptoms of a cold or flu then isolate and stay away from others.
"2. If someone in your household has a positive antigen or PCR test, everyone should restrict movements - do not meet up with others.
"3. Anyone who has arrived from overseas should do daily antigen tests for 5 days. If a test detects virus or if they develop any symptoms (regardless of a test result) they should isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
"4. Given the level of virus now circulating, you should assume that you or those you meet are potentially infectious. Therefore, avoid crowds or poorly ventilated spaces, wear a mask, keep distance and keep your bubble as small as possible.
"5. Be especially careful if meeting older or vulnerable people. If you have met with lots of people this week, do not put others at risk. This is a difficult message at this time but is important if we are to keep each other safe."
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