Dr Tony Holohan has issued a grim warning as a surge in Covid-19 cases continues in Ireland.
The latest figures from the Department of Health on Tuesday evening show that 4,407 more people have tested positive for the virus.
While there are now 614 people receiving treatment in hospital, with 114 of them currently in the ICU.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed a raft of new rules and restrictions this evening, including a new closing times for all pubs and nightclubs of midnight.
Cabinet agreed on a number of other measures and senior sources have indicated it’s likely more restrictions may be needed in the coming weeks.
And Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has warned that we are at an "unsustainable" level of cases.
He said on Tuesday: "In the last 14 days, we have been notified of almost 55,000 cases of Covid-19. The only time we have had more cases in a 14-day period was in January this year, and, unfortunately, we do expect this figure to increase in the coming days.
"This case level is unsustainable. When incidence of disease is as high as this, we must all act as though we are close contacts and as though we are at risk of transmitting the virus to others.
"We are more likely to contract Covid-19 from someone we know - a friend, a work colleague, a teammate - than a stranger passing by in a shop or on the bus. Please prioritise who you need to meet.
"Over two million people are now eligible for a booster vaccine, including everyone over 50 and those aged over 16 with underlying medical conditions. It is important that you attend for your booster appointment as soon as it is offered to you.
"Given the risk to you from the current force of infection in the community, it is really important that you minimise, as much as possible, your social contacts, while waiting for your booster.
"Family and friends of all those who will soon be called for a booster should also continue to follow the public health advice, this is the best way to protect your loved one."
