Antigen testing could be used for people who are a close contact of someone with Covid 19.
PCR tests are considered the gold standard but the HSE says antigen testing will have to be used if case numbers continue to rise.
The close contacts would be given a packet of five antigen tests to do at home themselves.
If one of the antigen tests gives a positive result, people will then receive a PCR test.
The HSE says their teams have seen a sustained increase in demand for community testing over the last number of weeks.
It comes as the country's five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases has increased by more than 98 percent in the past week.
Last night, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said to people who are fully vaccinated to continue to enjoy socialising, however those who aren't should continue to meet people outdoors.
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