The incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland remains high as the country battles a surge in Omicron cases.
The variant is now dominant here, with around two-thirds of all infections now due to the latest strain.
Restrictions aimed at reducing transmission of the virus came into effect on Monday, with further measures not being ruled out in the new year.
The 14-day incidence rate of Covid per 100,000 of the population now stands at 1,346.
It comes as a further 5,279 cases of the virus were reported here on Tuesday.
New data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre this week shows the counties that recorded the highest incidence rates of the virus per 100,000 of the population over the past fortnight.
Given that Omicron now accounts for 66% of all positive cases, it is expected that many infections in counties nationwide can be attributed to the new strain.
Dublin is in the top spot, according to the latest HPSC data for the fortnight between December 7 and December 20.
The county has an incidence rate of 1702 per 100,000 of the population.
Making up the top three Covid hotspots are Westmeath (1581) and Louth (1509).
The rest of the regions in the top ten worst-hit areas are: Kilkenny (1499), Kildare (1498), Carlow (1377), Cork (1359), Laois (1359), Meath (1341) and Tipperary (1299).
These are followed by: Waterford (1298), Offaly (1149), Leitrim (1142), Longford (1118), Kerry (1117), Galway (1108), Clare (1081), Wicklow (1074), Limerick (1049), Monaghan (1041), and Wexford (953).
Meanwhile, the five counties faring best with coronavirus are: Mayo (712), Roscommon (859), Sligo (869), Cavan (922) and Donegal (924).
The Chief Medical Officer is urging people to reduce their contacts over Christmas, with young adults being asked to make "sacrifices" to protect their loved ones.
Dr Holohan said that the incidence of the virus is rising in the young adult population as he asked for families and friends to encourage people in this group to reduce their contacts.
“I know that this is not an easy task for any of us and it can feel very unfair that we continue to ask so much of our young people, particularly at this special time of year," he said on Tuesday.
“This group have made significant sacrifices in order to protect loved ones and I would like to thank them for that. It is important now that we continue to encourage and support each other to make sacrifices, take responsible actions and continue to follow the public health advice.
“This week, try and only meet with the people with whom you will spend Christmas Day. Keep your contacts as low as possible in order to protect those around you."
