Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn revealed Dublin has reached a "critical moment" as a further 75 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the capital today.
A further two deaths were reported this evening and and 159 new cases were announced nationwide.
The latest figures bring the total number of confirmed cases to 30,730 while the death toll now stands at 1,783.
Dublin is still seeing the largest increases with almost half of all today's new infections in the city and county.
Louth has the second highest number for the second day in a row with 10, while there were six in Cork, six in Donegal and six in Meath.
Laois and Wexford saw another five new cases each and the remaining 46 are in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath and Wicklow.
Dr Ronan Glynn said: “47% of the cases reported today are in Dublin City and County.
He added that the capital had reached a "critical moment in fighting the disease and urged residents to "reconsider" their social plans.
Dr Glynn appealed: "For the people of Dublin in particular, this is a critical moment to address the spread of the disease in the community.
"Individual choices can make all the difference - reconsider your plans for the weekend, reduce the number of people that you meet and avoid social activities that involve large groups of people.
"Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease that can spread even when you have no symptoms.
"Remember, when you do meet with friends, family and colleagues, staying two metres apart is the best way to keep everyone safe."
