Waterford (204) and Donegal (250) have the highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in Ireland as the Delta variant threatens the country with a fourth wave of Covid-19, Nphet has warned.
On the opposite end of the scale, Wexford (26.7), Mayo (29.1) and Kilkenny (35.3) have the lowest rates of Covid incidence in the country.
At present, Ireland's collective 14-day incidence rate stands at 100.8 with nine counties exceeding that level.
Speaking about these escalating case numbers and rates, Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn said: "The 14-day incidence of Covid-19 is now 101/100,000. The Delta variant is more transmissible but the basic measures are still effective against it; use a mask when appropriate, isolate and get a test if any concerns, manage your contacts and get vaccinated when it is offered to you."
Dr Glynn also provided updates about specific counties when he said: "In relation to Limerick, the rate has improved over a number of weeks and it's no particular outbreak or issue, it's the same in Donegal.
"We're seeing lots of small outbreaks in areas across the country and it won't take a lot for them to get worse."
During the most recent press conference, the Nphet member also mentioned a small outbreak in Dungarvan, Waterford, that has been linked to one gathering at a pub with 180-200 cases in the outbreak being related to that premise.
Dr Glynn also warned that the incidence rate in Dublin is worrying, along with Donegal, Waterford and Sligo.
Here's the current situation in each Irish county regarding the 14-day incidence of Covid, starting with the lowest rate:
Wexford 26.7
Mayo 29.1
Kilkenny 35.3
Kerry 37.9
Wicklow 40.7
Cork 43.1
Leitrim 43.7
Monaghan 44
Longford 51.4
Tipperary 54.5
Carlow 54.5.
Cavan 63
Kildare 72.4
Laois, 73.2
Galway 89.5
Clare 97.6
Meath 98
Louth 104.7
Offaly 116.7
Westmeath 120.5
Dublin 134.8
Roscommon 154.9
Sligo 160.2
Limerick 178
Waterford 204
Donegal 250
A total of 448 further cases were confirmed by officials at a media briefing on Thursday, with the Delta variant now making up 70% of cases in Ireland.
Two further deaths were also announced, bringing the tally to 5,000.
Speaking to reporters, CMO Dr Tony Holohan warned that current trends indicate that Ireland is heading for another wave of infections.
He said: "We think that we see some change in incidence rates now - the five-day average is going up, there is a challenge in some parts of the country, particularly Dublin and we expect a significant increase in transmission in the next few weeks."
Professor Philip Nolan said: "We are on the cusp of a fourth wave. There are two positives - we are intervening at a point where most of the contact is modest in size or outdoors in terms of social mixing. We may see a smaller wave as a result, and the other is the rapid rise in vaccination."
Dr Holohan also refused to rule out the possibility of advising new restrictions if things got out of control, saying: "I won't rule anything out because this virus surprises us and will continue to do so.
"The WHO is watching what's happening with this 'Delta plus' variant. We have to watch all of these developments. If the evidence changes in terms of risk, we'll advise the Government as such."
He added: "It's the same measures we need to follow - masks, avoiding crowds, keeping our distance and washing our hands - they will be successful in protecting you and the population. These are the things which limit transmission."
