The number of Covid-19 cases has surged past 80,000 for the first time.
The Chief Medical Officer has urged people again to limit their social contacts over Christmas to stop the spread, saying that we should try to stay at home with those that we live with.
Dr Tony Holohan was speaking after Ireland recorded 727 new infections on Monday, bringing the total number of people diagnosed in the Republic to 80,267.
He said: "Our current disease trends are gravely concerning. The situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent days. A total of 3,837 cases have been notified in the past 7 days.
"The five day rolling average has increased from 339 on 17 December to 616 on 21 December, an 82% increase.
"It is now as important as it was back in March to limit your contacts and protect your loved ones.”
Professor Philip Nolan added: "The virus is transmitting very rapidly, faster than we have seen at any point since March.
"The case numbers are growing at least 5-7% per day and, of particular concern, across all age groups.”
Of the cases announced on Monday, 366 were women and 359 were men, while 62% were under the age of 45.
The average age of those infected was 36.
Dublin saw another huge surge in cases, recording 366.
Kilkenny had 51, while Wexford had 48 and Donegal had 44.
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