Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has admitted that is it likely other counties will face Level Four lockdown restrictions in a stark warning this evening.
Varadkar made the grim warning after it was announced that Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan would all be placed on Level 4 lockdown from tomorrow.
Meanwhile the government announced a nationwide ban on household visits in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Speaking on the new restrictions Varadkar said: “It is likely that more counties will move to Level Four.”
He said there was “no reason to relax” and coronavirus was “on the march.”
Mr Varadkar added that community transmission was now “widespread” across all counties.
He said thousands of people in the three border counties will now be out of work but can avail of the PUP and measures announced in Tuesday’s budget.
Meanwhile Taoiseach Micheal Martin added that there "concerns regarding the full implementation of Level Three regarding home visits, sports training and events and people going to work when they should be working from home.”
Across the country Mr Martin said there is “slippage” in retail and personal services.
And that only six people from no more than two households should meet outdoors.
Exemptions will be made to allow visits for compassionate grounds and essential reasons like childcare.
The ban on household visitors will also include a ban on garden visits.
Mr Martin said: “Things may get worse until they get better.
“We will make it through if we continue to adhere to rules and we will work together.”
It comes as the country recorded its highest ever daily cases of 1,095 while another five people have died.
Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal now have the highest 14 day incidence rates in the whole country.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan urged people to reduce their contact with others and reiterated the situation is “extremely concerning.”
While Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn told people to stop socialising and organising play-dates and parties.
Dr Glynn added: “People must recognise that the disease is a direct threat to themselves and their families.”
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