Dr Tony Holohan has warned the country “simply cannot cope” with the rapid escalation of Covid cases this week.
The Chief Medical Officer has expressed alarm at the spiralling rate of infections.
The numbers took another massive leap last night with 582 new confirmed cases, up a hundred on Thursday’s figure.
Dr Holohan said: “Over the past week, we have expressed significant concern that the level of infection was deteriorating day on day.
“The data today adds further evidence that the situation is getting worse more rapidly than we expected.
“The country simply cannot cope with this level of infection as we head into Christmas week. “With vaccines offering hope in the coming months for our most vulnerable groups, we want to keep them alive and well so that they can receive it.
“Each one of us must do all we can to protect public health - cut your contacts, see only those you need to see. Choose to socialise safely, outdoors if possible. If you see a crowd, avoid it.”
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