Professor Sam McConkey says a single bad outbreak of Covid-19 at a nursing home could put the hospital system over the edge.
2,944 more people have tested positive for the virus, and thirteen more patients have died.
Monaghan continues to have the highest infection rate in the country, while just 10 new infections were reported for Cavan.
1,928 people are now being treated in hospital for the infection, including 195 patients are in intensive care.
The Chief Medical Officer has issued another warning to employers, saying people should NOT go to work today if they can do the job from home.
The infectious diseases specialist of the RCSI says the situation in our hospitals could get far worse without much warning.