Dr Ronan Glynn has warned people in Dublin to keep their social contacts "as low as possible" after a big spike in coronavirus cases.
The capital was the hardest-hit county in Ireland once again after reporting a total of 133 new infections today.
Many other areas saw noticeable increases with 20 counties reporting a rise in infections.
The Department of Health confirmed that there were 18 new infections recorded in Kildare, 13 in Limerick, eight in Offaly, seven in Galway, seven in Wicklow, six in Meath, six in Cork, five in Donegal, five in Cavan and five in Waterford.
The remaining 18 cases were spread across Carlow, Clare, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Sligo, and Tipperary.
However it is Dublin that drew the focus of Dr Ronan Glynn, as he urged the public to keep their social contacts to a minimum.
And the Acting Chief Medical Officer confirmed that two further swabbing centres will open up in the capital this week.
He 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.”
Of the cases notified today;
- 115 are men / 113 are women
- 69% are under 45 years of age
- 48% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
54 cases have been identified as community transmission
