The State's Chief Medical Officer says the public should not be surprised if restrictions on work and travel are extended beyond this Sunday.
The death toll from Covid-19 in the Republic has risen to 174, after 16 more people were confirmed to have died from the virus.
There are now over 5,300 confirmed cases. There's still fewer than 300 cases in the South East, 49 of which are in Waterford as of Saturday.
The National Public Health Emergency Team meets this morning to discuss further extending movement restrictions but a formal recommendation will not be made until Friday.
However Dr Tony Holohan says people will know before then if the measures will remain in place.
"What we will do over the course of the week, I will be as honest and open with you as I can be so it won't be that I will reveal everything in one go on Friday.
"As the week progresses and our impression of where we are is increasing either in one direction or another I will share that with you.
Yesterday, there were 370 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed.
Health Minister Simon Harris says the rate of growth is slowing but is still too high.
"There are some encouraging signs there in terms of the rate of growth but too early to say.
"We are entering a very, very crucial week.
"The virus is very much here, it is still at an unsustainable level. While we are making progress, we are not yet where we need to be."
Useful information
- The HSE have developed an information pack on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Read it here
- Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days should isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room alone, with a phone; phone their GP, or emergency department;
- GPs Out of Hours services are not in a position to order testing for patients with normal cold and flu-like symptoms. HSELive is an information line and similarly not in a position to order testing for members of the public. The public is asked to reserve 112/999 for medical emergencies at all times.
- ALONE has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. The support line will be open seven days a week, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024
