Three counties face a move to Level Three of coronavirus restrictions as case numbers continue to surge around the country.
Louth, Donegal and Waterford have seen a jump in new cases, with all three areas reporting similar 14-day incidence rates to Dublin when the capital was locked down.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn gave a special warning to people living in these three counties as case numbers continue to "rise fast".
He wrote on Twitter: "There has very understandably been a particular focus on Dublin over the past few days.
"However, most other counties are also seeing increasing numbers of cases of COVID-19. Three in particular are already high and continuing to rise fast."
Last night he presented the following breakdown of incidence rates in the three areas:
Louth
14 day incidence 53/100,000 last Sunday; 102/100,000 this Sunday
131 cases in last fortnight
Donegal
26/100,000 last Sunday; 84/100,000 this Sunday
133 cases in last fortnight
Waterford
55/100,000 last Sunday; 89/100,000 this Sunday
103 cases in last fortnight
Dr Glynn added: "It is vital that people in all counties, but in these in particular, do all they can to break chains of transmission over the next 7 days. We are not powerless in dictating the course of this disease; 1. Wash your hands regularly 2. Take a step back and keep your distance.
"3. Assume you or those you meet may be infectious and act accordingly 4. Wear a face covering. 5. Avoid crowds 6. Download the Covidtracker app. 7. Do not go to work if you have any concerning symptoms - isolate and phone your GP. 8. Encourage one another.
"There is one additional ask this Sunday evening for everyone (regardless of where you live) - try to meet half as many people this week as you did last week. Thank you."
