Ireland has recorded another 727 new cases of Covid-19.
Thankfully, there were no more virus-related deaths.
The news was announced by Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and the National Public Health Emergency Team on Monday evening.
Of those diagnosed, 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.
Dr Holohan 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.”
The group of medical experts have recommended a raft of new restrictions to Government, which Ministers are meeting to discuss on Tuesday morning.
An announcement is expected sometime later in the afternoon.
Here's all we know so far;
Pubs and restaurants
The shutter on hospitality will be down before New Years and is likely to see all pubs and restaurants closed from December 28.
That date is not set in stone but is believed to be the frontrunner ahead of the Cabinet meeting.
Many people with bookings for the New Year celebrations will be left disappointed with health experts attributing the spread of disease to increased socialising.
Household visits
At the moment you are allowed visitors to your home from two other households and this will be in place for the all important Christmas Day.
But it is likely to be chopped again soon after, with speculation that this could be reduced to just one other household, with further measures in the new year.
Travel
Inter-county travel had been opened up since December 18 and was set to stay open until January 6.
But Minister Eamon Ryan said on Monday morning that it is likely the restrictions on not leaving your county will be reimposed sooner than expected.
Schools
Both Ministers Simon Coveney and Simon Harris shot down suggestions that their could be a delayed return to schools in January.
That was after the Green Party leader Eamon Ryan suggested it would be looked at.
There is not currently an expectation that the school situation will be altered in any way.
