That's according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation
They say a potential rise in the number people presenting at already overcrowded hospitals such as Cork University Hospital could lead to huge delays for patients.
81 patients are waiting on trolleys at hospitals across Cork today, with CUH the second most overcrowded in the country.
The nursing union are appealing to the public to take special care with hand hygiene and are asking anyone with symptoms of the virus to contact their GP or Emergency Department by phone before arriving.
Over 80,000 people across the globe have been infected and over 3,000 people have died since the virus was first identified in China.
Speaking to RedFM News, Liam Conway from the INMO in Cork says they are in contact with the HSE regarding preparation for a potential outbreak:
