A further 240 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed this evening while one death has sadly been announced.
The figures were released by the National Public Health Emergency Team this evening which met today to discuss the ongoing situation.
119 cases were in Dublin, 19 in Wicklow, 17 in Kildare, 16 in Donegal, 15 in Waterford, 10 in Limerick, 8 in Cork, 6 in Louth, 5 in Wexford and the remaining 24 cases are located in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath.
Health chiefs continue to express concerns about the continued rising cases across the country and particularly in Dublin.
The capital is already experiencing slightly harsher restrictions compared to the rest of the country following the publication of the government's 'Living with Covid' guidelines.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “50% of today’s cases are in Dublin. We are now seeing a higher proportion of cases in older age groups.
“Act now to save lives. Limit your contacts as much as possible. Assume you and those you meet are infectious, keep your distance and do your part to keep others safe.”
The guidelines set out five levels which will indicate how prevalent the virus is either nationally or in a specific area.
Currently every county in Ireland is set at level 2.
However it's likely that Dublin will soon classified as level 3 with harsher restrictions set to come into effect as soon as this weekend.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer said this week that the situation has deteriorated both nationally and in Dublin however he added that there were worrying trends in Co. Donegal, Louth and Waterford.
