Nursing Homes Ireland say an outbreak among the majority of residents at a Galway facility is very disturbing.
25 out of the 27 residents at Nightingale Nursing home in Ahascragh were confirmed with the virus, while one person has died.
17 staff members are also self isolating after testing positive.
The HSE has come in for criticism for its slow response in providing sufficient staff replacements to support the care home.
Nursing Homes Ireland Chief Executive, Tadhg Daly says nursing homes are more vulnerable due to a rise in community transmission.
