The Government has said it has not ruled out the potential need for a reintroduction of certain measures if Covid-19 cases continue to rise.
The winter months are approaching and many experts are predicting a new wave of the virus as hospitals brace themselves for an influx of patients presenting with severe symptoms.
The number of people in hospital with Covid has "been edging" up in recent weeks, according to the HSE's Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry, however he said that at this point there is no sign of a surge.
More than 1.6 million positive Covid cases have been confirmed in Ireland to date and there were 442 patients in hospital with the virus, of which 16 were in ICU on October 21.
READ MORE: Covid Ireland news amid fears of new 'nightmare variant' strain that's rapidly doubling infections
The potential need for restrictions comes as a new Covid strain - dubbed a "nightmare variant" by some - is rapidly doubling the number of infections in countries where it has been detected.
Known as XBB, the strain has been found in more than 17 countries in Asia and Europe.
It has been dubbed a "nightmare" by the media in Asia because of how fast it spreads and how it evades protection to those who are vaccinated or have natural immunity.
Despite the widespread worry being portrayed by media outlets, there are no signs it causes more serious illness, Mirror UK reports.
UC Berkeley infectious disease expert John Swartzberg told the San Francisco Chronicle that the variant is "no different from the others".
Reacting to XBB being called a "nightmare", he said: "That is pretty irresponsible reporting because it’s impossible to know what all these variants mean.
“We are seeing a slew of new variants that are using a similar approach to survive — they are finding ways to evade the way we get immunity from vaccines and previous infection with changes on the spike protein.
"XBB is no different from the others.”
Restrictions
Last week, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly published a winter Covid plan with some unwelcome restriction updates as cases of the virus rise.
In this report, Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smyth said variants of Covid will continue to emerge and may place a burden on our health system this winter.
The report also recommended all people continue to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare settings.
It stated: "Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment.
"Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so.
"Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are further advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and to take measures to optimally protect themselves.
"Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings. The use of FFP2 masks is also an option for vulnerable individuals, their healthcare provider will be best placed to discuss what might be most appropriate for their particular case.
"If required, the introduction of mask mandates in certain settings (e.g. transport and healthcare) will involve a point-in-time assessment of a constellation of indicators with due consideration of the personal, ethical and public health perspectives.
"Any such mandate will be pursued in a proportionate manner, will be the least intrusive measure to achieve the identified legitimate public health goal(s) and will be of limited duration. "
However, Covid testing will no longer be recommended for the general population who are well or who develop a mild illness.
Instead, the report says testing will occur based on a clinical assessment where a clinician requires the result to contribute to the diagnosis and management of an individual patient, or when deemed necessary by Public Health in relation to the management of an outbreak or specific public health risk.
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