NPHET has confirmed that there have been two further COVID related deaths in the Republic, as well as 159 new COVID-19 cases.
Almost half of the new cases are in Dublin (75), while ten cases are in Louth, six in Cork, six in Donegal, six in Meath, five in Laois and five in Wexford.
The remaining 46 cases are in Galway, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath and Wicklow.
Sixty-five percent are under 45 years of age while over half are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
The number of deaths in the state related to the illness is now 1,783 and the number of confirmed cases stands at 30,730.
There are now nine people with COVID in ICU and 52 people with the virus in Irish hospitals.
Speaking this evening, Dr Ronan Glynn said: “47% of the cases reported today are in Dublin City and County.
“For the people of Dublin in particular, this is a critical moment to address the spread of the disease in the community.
“Individual choices can make all the difference – reconsider your plans for the weekend, reduce the number of people that you meet and avoid social activities that involve large groups of people.
“COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that can spread even when you have no symptoms. Remember, when you do meet with friends, family and colleagues, staying 2m apart is the best way to keep everyone safe.”
