Ten possible cases of the Omicron variant in Ireland have been sent for full genome testing.
The samples were taken from positive tests done and showed a phenomenon called 'S-gene dropout'.
It is linked to COVID-19 mutations and variants, but may not be the new Omicron strain.
Lab analysis is underway to establish if any of the samples are in fact the new variant.
The World Health Organisation says we should understand more about the new COVID-19 variant 'in weeks'.
However spokesperson Dr Margaret Harris says basic public health measures are simply not being implemented in day-to-day life.
Dr Harris earlier told Newstalk Breakfast they need time to fully understand this latest variant.
"To be honest, we've got more questions than answers - but the reason for putting this on the list of Variants of Concern was two things.
"The unprecedented number of mutations - especially affecting the spike region, which is the thing the virus uses to get into our cells.
"And the other thing [was] some emerging evidence that people were getting re-infected with the Omicron, people who'd been infected with something else.
"But the big issues we want to understand is what's it's ability to transmit itself, and will it have any ability to escape the vaccine".
She was speaking as the coalition party leaders are set to meet officials from NPHET later to discuss the new variant.
Regulations on new travel and home quarantine policies are being drawn up.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed Omicron cases in the UK has risen to at least nine.
Additional reporting: Jack Quann
