There are now 99 clusters of Covid-19 in nursing homes across the country.
The figure has increased sharply in recent days.
The HSE says limiting the spread is a key priority.
Chief clinical officer Colm Henry says a number of measures are being looked at.
"We're providing video advice and onsite training advice on infection prevention and control for staff there, as well as trying to direct our precious stock of PPE to areas that normally you wouldn't be directing them, namely residential care settings and nursing homes.
"It's a big challenge for us it's a big job for us to support our healthcare staff through advice, through changing practices and also through provision of PPE - it's a big message and it's a broad message."
