There are 16 counties that need to see a drop in Covid-19 cases before December 1.
Infection numbers have fallen from 1,200 a day at the start of the lockdown to current rates that have seen cases between the 300 and 500 mark in recent days.
The national incidence rate per 100,000 is now at 119.87, a significant improvement from where we were just a few weeks ago.
But health chiefs want this to drop even further before we get set to exit lockdown in less than two weeks time.
A total of 16 counties will need to see a significant drop in infection rates by the end of the month, and could ultimately decide what level the country could enter under the Living With Covid plan.
Donegal, Dublin, Limerick, Roscommon, Kerry, Waterford, Tipperary, Clare, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois all need to see a large drop in cases.
Meanwhile, another 12 people have died with the disease, which now brings the death toll in Ireland above the 2,000 mark.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told RTE: "It is a very sad and sobering milestone for us to have reached."
He added: "Not only have we lost more than 2,000 people to Covid but families and friends have not been able to mourn in the way we normally would.
"They have not been able to celebrate the lives of their loved ones the way they normally would, so it has been even more difficult for so many people right around the country."
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "Today we sadly report over 2,000 deaths associated with Covid-19 to date in this country.
"This pandemic has impacted, directly and indirectly, on families and communities all across Ireland."
Dr Holohan added: "It is important that we continue to work together if we are to suppress this virus and protect as many people as possible.
"For the next two weeks, work from home, stay at home and follow public health advice."
