An infectious disease expert is warning that now is the ‘time for taking action’ to tackle the rising cases of COVID-19.

A further 334 cases of the virus were reported across the country yesterday, while officials confirmed that no further deaths had been reported.

Some 174 cases were identified in Dublin, 34 in Cork and 30 in Kildare.

That came after officials confirmed that Louth had become the second county to see its two-week COVID-19 incidence rate rise above 100.

The number of confirmed cases of the virus per 100,000 people in the county now sits at 101.6.

Meanwhile, the 14-day rate is now up in the 90s in both Donegal and Waterford.

The Academy in Dublin under Level Three restrictions,22-09-2020. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Officials are concerned about the figures in up to eight counties with the National Public Health Emergency Team to meet tomorrow to discuss whether further restrictions will be required.

Dublin is currently under Level Three restrictions with the 14-day rate in the capital at 138 per 100,000.

Professor Sam McConkey head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) told Newstalk that the highest level of restrictions may soon be needed.

“I think the rates have gone up, as everyone can see, in four or five other counties, almost as high as Dublin and we really need to do something,” he said.

“This is the time for taking action.

“The earlier we do it, the less duration and the less restrictive those measures will have to be.

“Unfortunately, if the number of cases continues to rise, whether in Dublin or in those counties then unfortunately the only sensible thing to do is to go up to Level Four or even Level Five.”

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn speaking at the weekly COVID-19 briefing in the Department of Health. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

It comes as the acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn warned that the virus is spreading 'disproportionately' among younger people – with 40% of cases in the last month detected in people aged between 15 and 34-years-old.

He said he understands that what is being asked of younger people at the moment is “extraordinary” but urged them to “stick with this and continue to follow the public health advice.”

Separately, a World Health Organisation adviser will today call on the Government to allow a controlled spread of COVID-19 among younger people.

Sweden's former chief epidemiologist, Johann Giesecke, from the WHO's strategic and technical advisory group for infectious hazards will tell the Dáil’s coronavirus committee that officials should concentrate on the old and frail, with frequent tests of staff and residents in care homes.

As of last night, there were 94 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals - up four on the day before - and 16 people in intensive care.

Hospitals are now caring for the highest number of COVID-19 patients since early June.