The HSE has rejected claims from one of its doctors that Covid-19 is "much less severe" than the average flu and that the Government's current measures aren't justifide.
Dr Martin Feeley claimed that people at low risk of catching the deadly bug should be exposed to it in order to develop herd immunity.
He also claimed in the Irish Times interview that current Government measures to tackle the virus are 'draconian' and no longer needed.
He did however, say that the lockdown measures originally introduced were correct.
In a statement this afternoon, the HSE moved to reject and dissociate itself from Dr Feeley's comments.
Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said: “For the avoidance of any doubt, the position as stated by Dr Feeley in the Irish Times today is not the position of the HSE on this important subject.”
According to figures from the World Health Organisation, over 28 million people have gotten the virus, while over 900,000 people have died across the globe.
The HSE added that Covid-19 is a novel coronavirus for which there is no cure or vaccination.
The total number of cases of Covid-19 in Ireland has now reached 30,571.
Tragically, the death toll now stands at 1,781.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has said the Government "won't be afraid" to introduce restrictions for Dublin, and that he'll do "what's necessary" to combat the recent Covid-19 spike.
Micheal Martin explained that they had learned from previous measures introduced in Kildare, Laois and Offaly, and that they will discuss the latest advice from NPHET on Tuesday.
As it stands, cases in Dublin are rising at 4% per day, and would double over the next two weeks if nothing changes.
