The Chief Medical Officer has asked Irish people to avoid pubs and restaurants with Covid-19 cases spiralling.
Dr Tony Holohan this morning sent a message to the country to try keep cases down in the build-up to Christmas.
The doctor said to avoid meeting up, stay away from pubs and restaurants and to avoid social contacts.
The CMO tweeted: "Cases rising quickly. We have low cases and deaths compared to EU/UK/US. This is at risk now- just as vaccines arrive. To protect yourself & those you love: Stay home. Don’t meet up. Stay away from restaurants/pubs. Avoid crowds. Use masks. Follow health advice."
It follows 527 new cases of Covid-19 being announced in Ireland on Saturday evening as the situation continues to worsen.
Dr Holohan said on Saturday night: "The figures we are seeing across all key indicators of disease severity continue to give us strong reason for persistent, ongoing concern.
"As we head into a week with uniquely risky inter-household and inter-generational mixing, please remember to act responsibly. Start this weekend. It is never too late to cut down your contacts, cancel plans, or avoid a crowd.”
“Bear in mind that you may well be the link in a chain of transmission that ends with a vulnerable loved one catching this dangerous disease. Stop that chain of transmission now – limit your movements today.”
New restrictions are set to be introduced next week with Cabinet set to meet on Tuesday.
