Government Ministers are pleading with people to follow the public health advice and stop the Covid-19 surge here.
A further 442 cases were confirmed in Ireland on Thursday with another four deaths sadly announced.
Dr Ronan Glynn and NPHET have introduced further restrictions after today's cases in all of Ireland amid fears the virus could spiral out of control.
Here's what the experts and Government have had to say today on the escalating situation.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin
The Taoiseach tweeted this evening: "We need to limit our contacts to reduce the spread of #COVID19 Following the latest advice from NPHET people are asked to limit visitors to your home to one other household only.
"By adhering to the public health advice we can bring this virus under control."
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly
The Health Minister said: " I received important new advice today from NPHET. The public health experts are strongly advising everyone in Ireland to only have a maximum of 6 people from one other household visit their home at any given time.
" We're seeing more cases and clusters linked with socialisation. It's hard to comprehend that you might give Covid-19 to your daughter or father or cousin or neighbour but unfortunately, that is the case. To stop the spread and keep our loved ones safe, we must limit our contacts."
NPHET
In a statement today NPHET said: "The National Public Health Emergency Team met today to review the epidemiological situation nationally.
"The NPHET noted a further deterioration from last week. The 5 day average for cases is now 412 and 18 counties have an increased incidence rate when compared with last week. The reproduction number is estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.4, with the growth rate in cases between 4-5% per day.
"NPHET today noted a particular concern in relation to trends in indicators of disease severity. There are 119 people in hospital with 20 in critical care and there were 32 deaths in September.
"While there continues to be a number of counties with particularly high incidence, the NPHET’s main concern now is the overall national picture.
"Given the disease profile, NPHET today recommended that no more than 2 households should meet at any given time. People should only have a maximum of 6 visitors from 1 other household to their home. People can continue to meet socially in other settings, but only with people from one other household.
"NPHET have further advised that Government extend the Level 2 measures currently in place for a further period of three weeks, with Donegal and Dublin remaining at Level 3. NPHET will continue to monitor this situation very closely."
