More counties face joining Dublin and Donegal under Level Three lockdown restrictions as cases continue to jump.
There is concern over the rate of Covid-19 infections in many areas, but particularly Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon.
Here are the latest updates from two of the most influential public officials in Ireland:
Dr Ronan Glynn
Dr Ronan Glynn issued a warning to four counties after a spike in cases.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer said there has been an increase in new infections in Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon.
There are now growing fears that more areas could join Dublin and Donegal on Level Three of the Government's Covid-19 roadmap due to the rise in cases.
Dr Glynn wrote on Twitter: "The number of cases of Covid-19 in Cork, Galway, Monaghan & Roscommon have increased over the past week.
"Please continue to follow public health advice, reduce your social contacts and keep your distance from others. Assume that you or those you meet are potentially infectious."
While he added at last night's press briefing: "I am asking everyone, but particularly those living and working in Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon, to adhere to the public health advice.
"There is still time to get the virus back under control in these areas, break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of this highly infectious disease in these communities.
"We know the key actions to take to stay safe, by keeping a 2 metre distance, reducing your social contacts, wearing a face mask, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home and contacting your GP if you start to feel unwell, you are doing everything you can to take care of yourself and those around you."
Taoiseach Micheal Martin
Taoiseach Michael Martin's latest comments were that restrictions on travellers entering Ireland are likely to remain in place until the middle of next year.
The Fianna Fail leader said the need for people to self-isolate on their arrival would most likely continue until well into next year and could be dependent on a “vaccine or better therapeutics”.
People who travel to Ireland from Britain and other countries, with the exception of Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Liechtenstein, must agree to self-isolate for two weeks on their arrival.
The Taoiseach recognised the need to quarantine was “problematic”, especially for members of the Irish community living in Britain, but he said the measures were necessary to limit the spread of Covid-19.
“It is very difficult,” Mr Martin said.
“It is really stressful and difficult for families who have not met their loved ones for quite some time because of Covid-19.
“The challenge I think is going to continue for some time. If I’m honest I believe we have to look to the middle of next year to see if any respite is on the way in the form of a vaccine or better therapeutics and that we learn to live with and deal with the virus more effectively.”
