That's the opinion of Prof Gerry Killeen, an infectious disease expert in Cork.
It follows news of a new medium term plan that will see colour-coded statuses given to areas depending on infection levels.
The Irish Times reports the scale will be red, orange, yellow and blue, with blue introduced once vaccinations or treatments are available.
NPHET will discuss the recent spike in cases in the midlands at a meeting this afternoon.
But UCC Professor Gerry Killeen says the measure isn't enough to eliminate the virus from Ireland:
