The Chief Medical Officer has urged people to be cautious over the Bank Holiday weekend as nightclubs reopen across Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohan issued a warning over "increased levels of socialising across the country" in the coming days.
It comes as most nightclubs are preparing to open their doors to punters for the first time in 18 months on Friday night.
The return of normal trading hours and 100% capacity in the late night venues marks a significant step towards the return of pre-pandemic life.
Bars and restaurants will no longer be restricted by 11.30pm closing times, with rules on the hospitality sector largely eased from Friday.
However, Covid Certs proving vaccination or recovery remain mandatory, as does the need to collect data for contact tracing.
Dr Holohan advised people to continue practising basic public health measures to reduce transmission of Covid-19.
He said: "The bank holiday weekend will bring increased levels of socialising across the country.
"With the current trajectory of the disease in Ireland it is important that every individual knows and acts on the basic measures to limit the spread of Covid-19.
“Keep social distance, wear a face mask appropriately, wash your hands regularly and manage your contacts. If you are meeting indoors with others, ensure the room is well ventilated, avoid crowded situations and if it feels like an unsafe environment, leave.
“Be mindful of the symptoms of the disease such as fever, cough, or flu like symptoms. If you do experience any symptoms, self-isolate immediately and seek a PCR test as soon as possible."
The CMO added: “Today and over this weekend, the HSE are continuing to operate walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centres right across the country for anyone aged 12 years and older.
"I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet attended for their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, or second dose if it is due and you have yet to receive an appointment, to avail of these vaccination centres this weekend.
"You can also register for a vaccine appointment online or by phone, or book an appointment with a participating pharmacy. These vaccines are very safe and effective at protecting against the worst effects of Covid-19.”
The top doctor was speaking after the latest coronavirus figures were published on Friday evening.
There were 2,466 further cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
As of 8am on Friday morning, there were 457 people being treated in hospital for the virus, of which 90 are in ICU.
The five-day moving average of Covid cases is 2,123.
