The possibility of local lockdowns has not been ruled out by the National Public Health Emergency Team.
The idea of imposing restrictions in certain counties has been brought up again after three counties saw big increases in coronavirus cases.
The Government and NPHET are to issue updated advice people in Kildare, Laois and Offaly at some point on Friday.
This is after 226 cases have been notified in these counties over the past 14 days - most of which have been linked to clusters.
These counties also accounted for 49 of 69 new infections reported on Thursday evening.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn revealed another 60 cases linked to the outbreaks are expected to be confirmed on Friday evening.
He issued an appeal to people in the counties to be on alert for the symptoms of the virus and said NPHET has directly contacted GPs in the area.
He said: "NPHET has been informed of a significant number of additional cases across the counties of Kildare and Laois and Offaly on the back of an already significant number of cases and clusters in these counties.
“Over the past 14 days 226 cases have arisen in Kildare, Laois and Offaly, almost half of all cases in Ireland over that time period.
“We will continue to review the situation very closely. However, we are now advising everyone in Kildare, Laois and Offaly to pay particular attention to any new symptoms they may have.
“People in this region should double down on the public health behaviours. Always keep a distance of two metres from other people, do not go into crowded spaces, wash your hands and wear a face covering where necessary.”
Dr Glynn made a special appeal to older and vulnerable people in the counties to limit their contacts.
Asked about a local lockdown in the midlands, Dr Glynn said: “You can’t rule anything out. There is a reservoir of the disease and we will be monitoring the situation closely.”
