Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation has delivered a stark warning about the Covid-19 pandemic today.
The public health expert stressed that people "need to be careful" amid the rise of the Omicron variant.
Speaking on RTE Radio One today, Dr Ryan said the world is "not even close" to the end of the pandemic.
He said: "I would've hoped by now we would be in a better position than we are but the virus is still dictating the terms of this engagement.
"But in the end, the virus itself will continue to evolve.
"We're certainly not at the end, and we're not even close to the end of this pandemic."
He emphasised the importance of getting vaccinated as Omicron cases skyrocket.
"We need to be careful, we need to be prudent. There are uncertainties now.
"Take a precautionary approach to being exposed and be careful not to expose others.
"I can't say this with more emphasis. If you are over 50 or 55 with underlying conditions: Please get vaccinated."
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