Two regions have reported a staggering coronavirus incidence rate more than twice as high as Dublin.
The 14-day confirmed cases incidence rate per 100,000 population is one of the key measures health officials use when assessing a region, and whether a lockdown needs to be put in place.
And by this metric, the Lifford-Stranorlar area in Co Donegal is now the hardest-hit region in the country, with Celbridge in Co KIldare not far behind.
While Donegal as a whole has a very high rate at 122.5, Lifford-Stranorlar reported an incidence of a whopping 336.1 in the latest statistics released by the Department of Health.
While in Co Kildare, which of course has already seen a lockdown, the Celbridge area is now reporting an incidence of 300.6.
Both of these figures are well ahead of the rate in Dublin, which currently stands at 140.3.
Some other areas that have seen a worrying trend in new cases include Bray West in Co Wicklow with a 14-day incidence of 206.5, and Dundalk-Carlingford, with a rate of 179.7.
Last night the huge spike in Donegal led to the county being moved to Level Three of the Government's roadmap.
And more areas could soon follow it to Level Three as case numbers continue to spiral.
Last night Taoiseach Micheal Martin says there is "every chance" there could be similar announcements in other areas.
In particular, he signalled out Louth, Kildare, Wicklow, Waterford, Cork and Galway, saying they were being "closely watched".
Mr Martin said that Donegal will move to Level 3 of the Government's framework for restrictive measures from midnight on Friday, for three weeks up to 16 October.
Ireland imposed tightened COVID-19 restrictions in a second county, banning indoor restaurant dining and non-essential travel in Donegal a week after similar measures were imposed in Dublin.
