A total of 527 more people in Ireland have tested positive for coronavirus, while five further deaths have been confirmed.
It brings the total number of infections here to 78,776 since the outbreak began.
The latest figures were released by the Department of Health this evening.
Dublin was once again the hardest-hit area with 191 new cases, followed by Cork with 54.
Donegal reported 44 further infections, while there were 32 in Wexford and 27 in Kilkenny.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “The figures we are seeing across all key indicators of disease severity continue to give us strong reason for persistent, ongoing concern.
"As we head into a week with uniquely risky inter-household and inter-generational mixing, please remember to act responsibly. Start this weekend. It is never too late to cut down your contacts, cancel plans, or avoid a crowd.”
“Bear in mind that you may well be the link in a chain of transmission that ends with a vulnerable loved one catching this dangerous disease. Stop that chain of transmission now – limit your movements today.”
It comes after it emerged that Gardai found a number of licenses premises breaking Covid-19 rules in the last 24 hours.
Breaches were found in Limerick, Cork, Carlow and Meath ranging from 'wet pubs' not serving food to shebeens open with no rules in place.
Gardai said that most licensed premises have been following the rules while listing the following breaches in the last day;
• ‘wet’ pubs open opening for clandestine business (eg: fresh pints, tv on and fire lighting)
• ‘gastro-pubs’ failing to comply with Covid-19 regulations and guidelines (eg: no register in place, 12 tables occupied and no sign of food on any table,inspected at 22:45, seven tables with 2 - 4 people at each within 2 metres of each other, no evidence of substantial meals, no face masks being worn by staff)
• ‘shebeen’ premises (eg: search carried out in suspected shebeen, 30 people socialising, crowd wore no face coverings, no social distancing, consuming intoxicating liquor)
Files have been sent to the DPP in relation to all breaches identified in the last 24 hours.
A garda spokesperson said: "In all cases where breaches of Public Health regulations have been identified An Garda Síochána will submit files to the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking advices as to how to proceed.
"In addition to potential criminal breaches by Licensed premises owners, An Garda Síochána wants to remind every person of their social and personal responsibility not to frequent premises or engage in activity which is likely to contribute to the increasing spread of the Covid-19 virus.
"The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and a real threat to everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our society, the virus is still spreading, it is still leading to serious illness and death.
"An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives."
