The chief medical officer says Covid testing, tracing and case-finding should be scaled back - despite the recent spike in cases.
Dr Tony Holohan says there's no longer a 'public health rationale' for it.
In a letter to the Health Minister last week, CMO Tony Holohan says a number of epidemiological indictors have deteriorated in recent weeks.
He says they suggest levels of Covid have increased in recent weeks.
Dr Holohan says cases and hospitalisations have risen - but ICU admissions remain broadly stable.
He says, despite the recent spike in cases, there is no longer a public health rationale for the current level of extensive testing, case finding and tracing.
He says, in future, this should be focused on stopping severe impacts of Covid, based on public health and clinical need.
Dr Holohan says updated plans in this regard will be given to the Minister, for his consideration, in the coming weeks.
