There are more than 100 Covid-19 outbreaks in nursing homes across Ireland, with 50 new outbreaks being reported since 1 January.
Chief Executive of Nursing Homes Ireland Tadhg Daly said as the virus is so widespread in the community there is increased pressure across the health service, including nursing homes.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said the sector has been vigilant throughout the pandemic and staff are "back on high alert".
Mr Daly said nursing home residents who have been admitted to hospital are tested for the virus before returning to the home and from tomorrow serial testing for nursing home residents will become weekly for at least the next three to four weeks.