Health experts have warned that the peak of the current wave of Covid-19 is expected next week.
Professor of Immunology in DCU Christine Loscher said there are two-to-three times more positive cases than are being reported via PCR and antigen tests.
She said the pattern is that subvariants have arisen every three months and that Ireland will move on from BA.4 and BA.5 variants, but it is unknown if the next variant will be mild or not.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Prof Loscher added that there are a lot of unknowns but a decision on the vaccine strategy is a priority.
As of 8am, there were 903 people in hospital with Covid-19, down three from 906 yesterday.
Of these, 36 patients are in intensive care units with the virus, down one from yesterday.
Meanwhile, Clare GP Dr Yvonne Williams said people need to act as if it is the early days of the pandemic and assume when they go to crowded spaces that someone there may have Covid-19 without knowing.
She said the advice is to isolate for seven days and people can stop isolating for the next three days if they have no symptoms, but should take precautions such as wearing a mask, working from home and avoiding crowds.
Asked about the antiviral tablet treatment for Covid-19, Paxlovid, Dr Williams said it is suitable for a minority of people.
She advised those who are younger and are in a high-risk group to speak to their GPs.
