A further 1,276 coronavirus cases have been announced this eveneing.
Meanwhile sadly another 8 deaths have been confirmed.
The figures were announced by NPHET this evening as fears continue to grow about the coronavirus situation in Ireland.
Earlier this week experts recommended that the country is moved to Level 5 lockdown restrictions for 6 weeks to get on top of the spread of the virus.
Of the cases notified today;
- 644 are men / 631 are women
- 69% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 31 years old
- 278 in Dublin, 149 in Cork, 108 in Meath, 107 in Galway, 80 in Wexford, and the remaining 554 cases are spread across 21 counties.
The three Government party leaders are meeting today to discuss the possibility of more restrictions.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan are meeting with the Ministers for Health, Finance and Public Expenditure to discuss the implications of going into a Level 5 lockdown.
Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, Tony Holohan, as well as Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn and Prof Philip Nolan will also be meeting with the TDs to explain the latest Covid trends.
Speaking earlier today Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said the Government wants to listen to public health advice and not rush into any decision.
But he warned that "nothing can be ruled out" at this stage.
Speaking to reporters outside Government buildings, Mr Ryan said: "Any decisions have to be made in the best interests of the Irish people.
"The situation is an ongoing concern.
"You don't want to rush in. Sometimes the right decision can take a bit of time. I don't think we should rule anything out."
