Four counties saw a big spike in new coronavirus cases reported this evening.
Dublin saw the most significant rise in new infections and remains the hardest-hit area in the country.
However some smaller areas also recorded a notable increase, including Kildare, Kilkenny and Tipperary.
In total, 136 more cases of Covid-19 were confirmed here.
Of the further infections reported today, 51 were in Dublin, 24 in Kildare, 12 in Kilkenny, 11 in Tipperary, 7 in Cork, 6 in Limerick, 6 in Wexford and 5 in Meath.
The remaining 14 were split across Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Waterford and Wicklow.
Of the new cases, 57 are associated with outbreaks or close contacts of a confirmed case.
While 11 have been identified as community transmission.
It was also confirmed that Ireland's R number now stands "at or above" 1.2.
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said: “The R-number is now at or above 1.2. There are two concerns now, the number of new cases per day remains high and the pattern has changed from large outbreaks in specific settings to much smaller outbreaks widely distributed across the country.
"The measures announced this week, asking us to stay apart, aim to suppress COVID-19 in the community.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, added: “The core message from NPHET this week is to limit your social networks.
"Stick to a limit of 6 people from no more than 3 households indoors, and 15 people outdoors.
"Risk assess your environment and do not stay if it doesn’t feel safe. Remember that the virus wants large groups to gather together in order to spread. Do not give it the opportunity.
"We can continue to suppress this disease in Ireland by working together and staying apart.”
