Simon Harris has issued a Christmas update alongside some worrying Level 4 news as the country remains in limbo about its next steps.
The former Minister for Health said that the new nationwide bans on household visits could be the "gamechanger" that may help in the effort to save Christmas.
But he said that more than likely, more counties will follow in the direction of Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan into a Level 4 lockdown.
The current Minister for Higher Education said that this period is a "watershed moment" in Ireland's battle with Covid-19.
He said "In an effort to be able to spend Christmas together, we do now need to cut out popping in for the cup of tea and that's tough.
"What we are trying to do here is make sure that people can have a Christmas.
"And make sure that we can try and get together in some capacity, in some way, with friends and family over Christmas.
"We genuinely believe if people take on board the advice now that we're asking, particularly in relation to household visits and working from home, we believe there's a potential for that to be a gamechanger.
"The prize here is big - it's actually being able to see family and friends again."
Speaking about the possibility of a nationwide Level 4, he said it would be dishonest not to say anything.
He continued: "It is more likely than not that they will based on the data today.
“If you look at the figures, in terms of the cases, we had the highest number of cases ever yesterday recorded. Over 2,000 people on the island of Ireland yesterday had a confirmed case of Covid - so it is likely but it is not inevitable."
He added: "We are about a week into really, kind of, pushing Level Three nationwide. We need to try and give it little bit more time."
