Ongar in Dublin is now the worst hit Covid region in Ireland, according to the latest data.
New data released by the HSE has revealed the top-10 regions that have been worst hit in Ireland in the last fortnight.
The data is based on incidence rates in the State’s 166 local electoral areas (LEAs).
And for the first time in weeks, Tullamore has fallen from the top of the rankings.
Instead, it is Ongar that is the area worst-affected by Covid-19 in the country with an incidence rate of 440.9 per 100,000 people, a rise of almost 50 in the last seven days.
That's more than three times the national average of 131.7.
Ballymun-Finglas sits second with a rate of 387.2 cases per 100,000 people, while Kildare and Donegal have also seen increases in a number of areas.
Sixteen regions recorded an incidence rate of 0.00 after seeing less than five positive Covid-19 cases in the last two weeks.
These include Dungarvan in Waterford, Bantry in Cork and Loughrea in Galway.
Last night, Dr Tony Holohan struck a positive note upon his return to work after the tragic death of his wife Emer.
Dr Holohan said: "We are in a strong position in that transmission levels have reduced substantially and the roll-out of vaccination is protecting more and more of those at risk from the severe effects of Covid-19.
“If we can maintain our current position there is hope that we can look forward to a real easing of measures, but it is as important as ever that we don’t put that progress at risk by letting our collective guard down too much, or too early.”
Top 10 areas that are struggling with Covid-19
Ongar - 440.9
Ballymun-Finglas - 387.2
Newbridge - 377.7
Letterkenny - 325.6
Kildare - 322.9
Lifford - 319.5
Buncrana - 304
Lucan - 287.2
Swords - 286.2
Donaghmede - 274.1
