Visiting restrictions are in place at 400 nursing homes, and at Dublin's Mater Hospital, to try stop the spread of Coronavirus.
The Mater Hospital says only those visiting patients in critical care, psychiatric wards, vulnerable young adults and end-of-life patients will be allowed access, while no children will be permitted whatsoever.
Nursing Homes Ireland says mo non-essential visiting, children or groups will be allowed into its facilities due to the threat of coronavirus spreading.
There are 25,000 older people being cared for at nursing homes across the country.
So far there are 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.
NHI says the restrictions are being put in place for the protection of nursing home residents.
In a statement, the group says "Visitors should only seek to attend in urgent circumstances and the management reserve the right to impose full restrictions where necessary."
Nursing Homes Ireland says it is monitoring the evolving Coronavirus situation on an ongoing basis.
