"We're doing everything we can"
Dr. Tony Holohan is hopeful that schools will re-open next week, despite the extreme increase in Covid-19 cases.
Speaking today, the CMO said the re-opening of schools is under review.
But it is likely that they'll open as planned.
He told RTÉ's Morning Ireland, "At the moment schools are scheduled to re-open next week."
"We keep that whole situation under review, but as things stand at the moment that's our current advice," he added.
Holohan said they are doing everything they can to keep schools and public services open.
"We're doing everything we can... to protect the most important public services that we have."
He noted that Covid-19 cases in school children had been falling steadily since December.
20,554 cases were confirmed yesterday.
Speaking about the concerning case numbers, Holohan said people should limit their close contacts.
"The most effective way to minimise the risk of any of us transmitting this virus to others is to avoid mixing indoors with people from other households," he advised.
"I know this is not the advice any one of us wants to hear, particularly in advance of New Year celebrations. However, given the current profile of the disease, it is essential that all of us continue to keep our social contacts as low as possible in the days ahead," he stressed.
"In the last 24 hours, 148 people with COVID-19 were either admitted to hospital or received a “detected” test result while in hospital."
"Hospitalisations at this level are not sustainable and are having a significant impact on our health service."
He said people should cut their contacts, avoid crowds and wear masks if in crowded settings.
Holohan added that parties should be avoided and people should meet outdoors instead.
