The advice would only be implemented if the situation worsens in the coming months.
It comes as the HSE's published its winter plan that will see the recruitment of additional 600 healthcare staff.
Stephen Donnelly says they're going to put a big emphasis on Emergency Departments:
"We know it's going to be very difficult for patients. We know it's going to be difficult for our health care professionals right right across the country. So we have a big focus, big investment, big recruitment around emergency departments, and an ongoing focus through the autumn and the winter on Covid, and living with Covid."
Former Director General of the HSE Tony O' Brien says there are some innovative elements to the 169 million euro Winter Health plan announced today.
However, he says it can never be guaranteed that some elective surgeries won't be cancelled due to pressure over the winter:
