The Acting Chief Medical Officer has issued an urgent warning to the public after a massive spike in coronavirus cases on Thursday.
Despite only recording one new death, 85 new positive Covid-19 tests were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team.
And Dr Ronan Glynn has urged the public to avoid large crowds, social distance and wear face masks in public.
He said: “Today’s figures demonstrate how quickly COVID-19 can re-emerge in our country.
“We are now at a crucial point in our response to COVID-19.
"Over the coming days it is vital that everyone continues to avoid large crowds, physically distance, wear face coverings where appropriate and wash hands regularly.
“COVID-19 is extremely infectious and no one is immune. Follow public health advice and stay vigilant.”
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, added: “Over a two-day period Ireland moved from a relatively stable epidemiology to a significant pattern connected to outbreaks.
"We now need to be really careful and adhere to public health advice so we do not further spread the virus.
"We must remain vigilant to the disease if we are to control it at this point.”
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