A member of NPHET says there’s a significant buffer in the vaccination programme to allow for society to reopen further.
The Cabinet will meet later to consider ending all restrictions by October 22nd with workers heading back to the office from September 20th.
Over 90% of the eligible population are expected to receive a Covid vaccine.
Dr Mary Favier says vaccines are allowing for the transition out of restrictions but caution is needed.
"While vaccination as we know isn't perfect, the link between infection and such high levels of infection has been changed completely.
"We do have increasing hospitalisations, our ICUs are still very busy, so it's not gone away.
"Unfortunately we're seeing some outbreaks in nursing homes, and unfortunately with outbreaks in nursing homes we will see increase in deaths again."
