A further 326 coronavirus cases have been announced this evening while no deaths have been confirmed.
The figures were released by the National Public Health Emergency Team this evening.
Dublin and Donegal have both been placed under harsh restrictions after being moved to level 3 lockdown.
Both counties have showed worrying trends in soaring coronavirus cases however other counties could face further restrictions if cases continue to grow.
Of the cases notified today: 152 cases are in Dublin, 32 in Cork, 22 in Donegal, 21 in Galway, 15 in Meath, 11 in Kildare, 9 in Kerry, 8 in Louth, 8 in Westmeath, 6 in Limerick, 6 in Mayo, 6 in Tipperary and 5 in Wexford, with the remaining 25 cases in 8 counties.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there was particular concern about Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
The Fianna Fail leader said NPHET was worried about these "urban centres" with a high population density.
Earlier it was announced that all colleges and universities have been told to move the majority of learning online for the next two weeks.
Restrictions will remain in place on all campuses to limit the number of students in the area.
Students will be allowed to attend classes for activities such as labs and workshops just as they are in Dublin.
Announcing the new Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said: “The next two to three weeks represent a critical juncture. The Higher Education sector has put in place robust plans and protective measures.
“However, at the request of the Department of Health, it has been agreed to intensify protective measures across the higher level institutions to ensure safe continuation or beginning of the academic term.
“This will mean more learning will take place online and on-site activity will be minimised over the coming weeks.
“This is disappointing, I know, but absolutely necessary if we are to stop the spread of this virus.
“We are also asking students to minimise travel and to minimise the number of social contacts on and off campus.
“We must do everything possible over the next few weeks to stop its spread and give students the best chance of resuming on site activity. Please stay safe and hold firm.”
Speaking on today's figure Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Today I am asking people everywhere but particularly in Donegal and Dublin to pay special attention to the public health advice.
“I ask every individual to take personal responsibility to prioritise who you need to see, limit the size of your social network and reduce your social contacts over the coming days and weeks.
“Because while there is every chance that other areas will have to move to level 3, there is nothing inevitable about it. We have seen previously how people working together can turn the tide on this virus and bring increasing trajectories back under control.
“Know how valuable your individual actions are. Your choices and your actions are part of how we will succeed.”
