There have been six more coronavirus-related deaths and 23 new cases in the Republic - with health officials now saying that the reproductive rate of the virus is "at or above one".
It means there have now been 1,743 deaths and 25,565 confirmed cases since the outbreak began.
77% of today’s cases are people aged under 25, while 15 of the cases are linked "directly or indirectly" to travel.
All of today’s 23 new cases are people aged under 45 years of age.
Meanwhile, NPHET is recommending that all visitors to hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies wear a face covering.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: "COVID-19 is extremely infectious and none of us are immune.
"It is important that we all continue to follow public health advice and risk assess our actions.”
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of reported cases over the last two weeks and the R-number is now at or above one.
"There is an immediate need for all of us to take care and caution in our decisions and actions.”
