Dr Tony Holohan has highlighted a sharp increase in the incidence rate in Limerick as outdoor hospitality gets set to reopen around the country.
The Chief Medical Officer has said that there's "a significant increase in cases in Limerick with incidence increasing sharply to 411/100,000" and has encouraged people in the Limerick area to continue "to adhere to the public health advice".
In a statement on Twitter, Dr Holohan said: "Today we are reporting a significant increase in cases in Limerick with incidence increasing sharply to 411/100,000.
"There have been more than 800 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Limerick in the past fortnight, the majority of which occurred as a result of indoor gatherings.
"It is extremely important that everyone in the Limerick region continues to adhere to the public health advice," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Health reported 465 new cases of the disease in Ireland.
At present, 84 people are in hospital with 30 of these patients in ICU.
With regards to Limerick, the CMO has issued a plea to anyone that's living in the area.
"Please avoid crowds, wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, maintain your social distance, socialiser outdoors and, most importantly, if you display any symptoms of COVID-19 or suspect you are a close contact of a confirmed case then attend a test centre for a free test," he said.
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Earlier, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly provided an encouraging update on the progress of Ireland's vaccine programme.
Mr Donnelly said: "Almost 2.9 million doses administered, 53% of adults / 2 million first doses, 25% / almost 900,000 fully vaccinated. Continued high uptake in age groups for vaccines. Registration open for all aged 43-69."
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