Local restrictions are expected to be announced later today for three counties after a surge in coronavirus cases, it has been reported.
The National Public Health Emergency Team met today to discuss the number of Covid-19 infections reported in Laois, Offaly and Kildare.
Health chiefs warned on Thursday night that they could not rule out restrictions in these counties after a number of outbreaks in meat plants and direct provision centres.
And a senior Government official told the Irish Independent this afternoon that some form of local restrictions are very likely.
Cabinet will meet on Friday afternoon to discuss what measures could be implemented in the virus hotspots.
The counties accounted for 49 of 69 new cases announced on Thursday when a further five deaths were also revealed - four of which occurred back in May and June – bringing the toll to 1,768.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn revealed another 60 cases linked to the clusters are expected to be confirmed today.
He issued an appeal to people in the counties to be on alert for the symptoms of the virus and said NPHET has directly contacted GPs in the area.
He said night: "NPHET has been informed of a significant number of additional cases across the counties of Kildare and Laois and Offaly on the back of an already significant number of cases and clusters in these counties.
“Over the past 14 days 226 cases have arisen in Kildare, Laois and Offaly, almost half of all cases in Ireland over that time period.
“We will continue to review the situation very closely. However, we are now advising everyone in Kildare, Laois and Offaly to pay particular attention to any new symptoms they may have.
“People in this region should double down on the public health behaviours. Always keep a distance of two metres from other people, do not go into crowded spaces, wash your hands and wear a face covering where necessary.”
Fianna Fail’s Barry Cowen has called on the public to accept the advice from NPHET that will be issued later today.
He told RTE’s News at One: “If it gets into the community we may well lose control of it. If we lose control of it, people could lose their lives.”
