The country’s top doctor has hit out at people who have been “socialising recklessly” following the massive surge in cases this weekend.
Yesterday saw the biggest spike in cases since May as 200 infections were recorded in a day.
Acting CMO of the Department of Health, Dr Ronan Glynn said the NPHET will be meeting tomorrow to review the recent figures and make necessary recommendations to the Government.
His comments come as footage of a masked bartender at Berlin D2 doling out drinks from a funnelled bottle to waiting punters who had crowded the bar area went viral last night.
Dr Glynn said: “The phased reopening of the country has afforded people the opportunity to socialise with each other again.
“However, some are doing this recklessly and undermining the efforts of the majority of people around the country who are following public health advice.
“This cannot continue. This pandemic isn’t over just because we are tired of living with it.”
Many of the customers in the video can be seen not wearing masks and not sticking to the required two metre - or even one metre - distancing rules.
Earlier today Taoiseach Micheal Martin called the spike "deeply concerning" on Twitter.
He said: "Yesterday’s COVID-19 numbers were deeply concerning and this morning I discussed the evolving situation with the Tánaiste, Green Party Leader, Health Minister and acting CMO.
"The Govt and NPHET will continue to monitor the situation closely.
"It’s essential that we adhere to the public health guidance and maintain social distancing to suppress this virus."
Today some 66 new cases were confirmed by the Department of Health today as there have been 27,257 COVID-19 infections reported in the country since March.
There have been no new deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today as the death toll stands at 1,774.
Dr Glynn added: "We must all learn to behave and interact in a new way over the coming months so that COVID-19 cannot take root again in our communities.
"Please avoid crowds, reduce your social contacts, keep your distance from others, wash your hands and wear face coverings."
