Ireland has seen yet another jump in cases this evening as 582 Covid-19 infections were confirmed.
Meanwhile a further six deaths have sadly been reported.
Alarming trends continue to emerge across the country as NPHET experts express concerns about the rising cases.
And Ireland is likely to see a raft of new restrictions after Christmas in a bid to curb the spread of the virus ahead of the original planned date of January 6.
It is expected that the change, which would see households limited to one other home for visits and the return of the county travel ban, could come in as early as Monday, December 28.
This week Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan warned "the virus is spreading throughout the country, in all age groups" adding today that everybody must re-examine their plans and minimise the contacts they have with other people.
Speaking on tonight's figures he added: “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.
Meanwhile Professor Philip Nolan confirmed that Ireland's R number now sits between 1.1 and 1.3 compared to 0.9 and 1 last week.
Today's figures show that five counties have seen a significant rise in cases.
Leading the way was Dublin with 193 cases, following by Wexford with 59.
In Louth there was 47, 42 were in Meath and 34 were in Cork while the remaining 207 cases are spread all other remaining counties.
Limerick and Kerry also had a number of cases with 33 each this evening.
Five areas now have an incidence rate of over 150 per 100,000 people - these are Donegal, Louth, Kilkenny, Carlow and Cavan.
Here's a full breakdown of the location of today's figures:
Donegal 14
Louth 47
Kilkenny 9
Carlow 13
Cavan 6
Laois 10
Longford <5
Monaghan 9
Limerick 33
Wexford 59
Mayo 5
Dublin 193
Meath 42
Offaly <5
Waterford 11
Kerry 33
Kildare 27
Wicklow 5
Tipperary <5
Sligo 11
Galway 7
Roscommon <5
Cork 34
Westmeath <5
Clare <5
Leitrim 0
