There are fears of a Covid-19 surge in a Co Donegal community as a local doctor issued a stark warning.
The south of Inishowen has seen an increase in cases in younger people, with St Patrick's Day celebrations offering the potential for further spread.
Co Donegal as a whole has been one of the hardest-hit counties in the country since the pandemic began.
And local Buncrana GP Dr Paul Grant warned that the currently circulating variants are "very transmissible" and claimed a surge was "on the cards".
He told Highland Radio: "They used to say 15 minutes of contact without a mask and you're a close contact. But you know it's really, really, very transmissible, so people need to be extremely careful.
"They need to stick to the basics, wear masks, isolate and wash hands. And these are still the basics that are going to prevent a further surge, which unfortunately is on the cards, given the background level of the virus that's out there."
It comes as both the Taoiseach and senior Garda figures have appealed with the public to stay safe when celebrating St Patrick's Day.
Micheál Martin made a heartfelt plea for people to stay at home, and issued a formal statement to the nation asking people not to be out celebrating for our national day this year.
Mr Martin is calling on everyone to “make a special effort to mark the day in a Covid safe manner”.
The Taoiseach wants us to hold firm for just a bit longer in the battle against Covid, so that we can prevent more sickness, and death.
If we do, the Government leader said it will lead to a better summer for all.
Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon also called on members of the public to stay at home where possible for the big day.
She said: "While it won’t be a normal St Patrick’s Day, we can still all enjoy the day safely at home.
"Staying home this St Patrick’s Day is the best thing people can do for their country and the best thing they can do for the people they know and love.”
