The current Covid-19 trends are a serious threat to the health system, according to the Chief Medical Officer.
There are fears the HSE may not be able to provide tests to people with symptoms due to demand, instead focusing on at risk groups.
A further 4,962 new cases were reported last night, with 673 people in hospital with the virus - a rise of 86 percent in one week.
some Public Health Experts say there may be a need in the future to cancel elective surgeries and transplant operations:
