Four areas were hardest hit as 21 counties saw a rise in coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, new figures show.
Dublin once again saw the biggest increase, reporting 68 further infections.
This was followed by Limerick, with 13, as well as Galway and Kildare with nine.
Cork, Wexford and Wicklow each reported five new cases.
The remaining 24 new infections were spread across Carlow, Clare, Donegal, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford, and Westmeath.
In total, the Department of Health reported 138 new cases across the country this evening.
There are now 29,672 people here that have tested positive for Covid-19.
Of the cases notified today:
- 59 are men / 79 are women
- 67% are under 45 years of age
- 39% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
- 23 cases have been identified as community transmission
The further rise in the capital comes after a big spike in cases there yesterday, which prompted the Acting Chief Medical Officer to encourage Dubliners to limit their social contacts.
Dr Ronan Glynn said: “While there is a significant number of cases in Dublin today, it is important to look at the day’s figures in the context of our 7 and 14 day incidence rates.
"NPHET pays close attention to trends and patterns in the data over time in order to analyse the progression of COVID-19 both across the country and in particular areas or settings.”
“However, it is now really important that people in Dublin keep their social contacts as low as possible.
"It is also vitally important that if you feel unwell, you self-isolate immediately. Phone your GP without delay if you have a concern. Know the symptoms to pay close attention to - cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell.
“Given the increase in the number of cases in Dublin, the HSE has opened two pop-up COVID-19 swabbing centres in Dublin this weekend, at Croke Park and at Castleknock Health Centre.
"Please come forward for testing if you have any concerns. Remember that if you do need a test, it will be free.”
