Leo Varadkar has hinted at major Covid isolation and quarantine rule changes from next week.
The Tanaiste posted a link to a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control article on Twitter that suggested new rules amid the ongoing Omicron surge.
The guidance in the article says that when there is "extreme pressure on healthcare systems and society", fully vaccinated individuals who are a close contact should wear a high-efficiency mask for 10 days and take a PCR test five days after coming into contact with the virus.
The guidance also suggests "self-monitoring for symptoms, wearing a mask, keeping distance from others and avoiding contact with vulnerable populations, if possible".
Fully vaccinated healthcare workers who have contracted Covid should isolate for three days after the onset of symptoms and then wear a mask for another three days.
Meanwhile, the piece advises unvaccinated people to do a test immediately then isolate for 10 days.
They also have a test-and-release option for day seven of isolation.
Mr Varadkar hinted that any new rules would be implemented during an update next week.
He tweeted the piece alongside the message: "Useful new guidance in from the ECDC. Gives us some options to consider re close contact rules. Further update next week."
Mr Varadkar's tweet came hours before 21,384 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed in Ireland.
While there are 984 people in hospital, with 83 patients being treated in ICUs across the country.
The latest figures were released by the Department of Health on Sunday afternoon.
