The Minister for Health Simon Harris has said the timing of the so-called 'cocooning' of older people, which the Taoiseach talked about in his speech to the nation last night, is something that is impossible to predict.
He said older and vulnerable people should be staying at home as much as possible now but getting out for fresh air if and when they can.
Minister Harris was visiting the National Viral Reference Laboratory (NVRL) at UCD with the Taoiseach.
The Minister thanked Cillian De Gascun and his team for the work they have been doing at the centre for testing for the Covid-19 virus.
He said over 100 people who work at the NVRL have been working 'flat out'.
He quoted the World Health Organization which has advised to 'test, test, test' and that the point of ramping up testing facilitates around the country would allow the health authorities to find the virus, isolate people with the virus and to carry out contact tracing.
Mr Harris said it was really important members of the public continued to follow public health advice in order to help the people working at the NVRL, and to continue to help people who are working across the health system.
He said 4,500 people rang 999 looking for a test at the weekend and that it was crucial people should only phone their GP in order to see if they fit the criteria for testing.
He described Irish healthcare professionals who are coming back to Ireland as 'true patriots'.
He said anybody who would like to play "any role" within the health care service should visit the website hse.ie/oncall.
Minister Harris need professionals such as administrators and there are jobs for many people with lots of different skills.
