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The alarm has been raised after Donegal saw its rate of coronavirus cases skyrocket.
The county has reported a confirmed case incidence of 14 days per 100,000 residents of a staggering 122.5.
This is not far behind Dublin, which has been the worst affected area in the country so far with a rate of 140.3, according to the latest figures from the Center for Health Protection Surveillance.
And more could soon follow, with Louth currently posting an incidence rate of 106.3. Next is Waterford, at 97.3.
All three counties could soon join Dublin in the Level Three restrictions, as NPHET meets today to discuss what additional steps need to be taken.
The two-week incidence rate is understood to be one of the key metrics used by health officials in deciding whether to implement a lockdown.
Some other counties with a worryingly high rate are Wicklow, at 76.5 and Kildare, at 70.6.
However, there is no question that certain areas of the capital are the hotspots in terms of new infections, and North West Dublin sees its incidence rate exceed the 200 mark today.
Dublin North Central, at 161.1, and Dublin South West, at 152.3, have also reported a significant number of new cases in the past two weeks.
(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn admitted last night his concerns about the numbers in Donegal, Waterford and Louth.
The doctor also pleaded with the public to reduce their contacts.
He said: “The most important thing that people across the country need to do now is reduce their social contacts. We all need to cut down on discretionary social activities.
“Knowing fewer people means fewer chances of transmitting the virus. Please prioritize who you want to meet with and try to keep your social network as small as possible. “
Here is a full breakdown of the latest incidence rates by county:
And here’s the breakdown for Dublin:
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