A number of towns and regions in Ireland have seen a big jump in coronavirus infections, new figures show.
The statistics released yesterday by the Department of Health show the rate of new infections by Local Electoral Area (LEA).
One of the key measures used by health officials is the incidence rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 population over the last 14 days.
And by this metric, the worst-hit area in Ireland is now Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan, with a staggering rate of 651.1.
While the region of Lifford-Stranorlar in Co Donegal, which has been one of the hardest-hit districts in the country for weeks, still has a very high rate of the disease, with an incidence of 610.3.
The other big hotspots are generally in larger cities, but Gorey in Co Wexford has seen a noticeable spike in cases, with an incidence standing at 533.8.
Clare also has a number of regions with a high rate, including Ennis and Kilrush, both over 400.
Here is a list of the Top Ten hardest-hit Local Electoral Areas up to October 12:
1. Ballyjamesduff - 651.1
2. Lifford-Stranorlar - 610.3
3. Cork City South Central - 566.4
4. Galway City Central - 550.5
5. Gorey - 533.8
6. Buncrana - 487.3
7. Granard - 449.7
8. Carndonagh - 442.1
9. Ennis - 423.8
10. Kilrush - 409.6
