The majority of people now want more restrictions to address the surge in COVID cases, according to a new survey published by the Department of Health.
The weekly research, carried out on behalf of the Government by Amárach, finds that the public are now as concerned about COVID as they were at the height of the January peak.
Last night, 5,634 new cases were reported, with the five-day moving average jumping to 4,712.
There were 603 patients in hospital - up 15 on the same night last week.
There were 126 in ICU, which is nine more than last week.
According to the research, some 56% of people now believe more restrictions are needed to stem the tide against the virus.
For the first time since January, 49% of people now think the current restrictions are insufficient, with 41% describing them as appropriate and 11% saying they are too extreme.
The number of people who believe Ireland is opening up too early has crept up to 51% while 33% believe the speed of opening is about right and 15% believe it is too slow.
Christmas
People are also taking things into their own hands, with 57% of respondents saying they are reducing the number of people they plan on meeting between now and Christmas.
Meanwhile, 45% have cancelled plans altogether.
Pandemic
Just short of one-quarter of people said they believe the worst of the pandemic is ahead of us, with 29% saying it is behind us and 30% saying it is happening now.
There was also differing opinion when it comes to perceptions of how the regulations are being followed with one-fifth of people saying they believe most people are not following them anymore.
Meanwhile, 38% said it is about 50/50 and 41% said most people are still following them.
The Amárach research has been carried out on behalf of the Government since the pandemic began.
It monitors whether the public are abiding by Health guidelines, the effect if people's emotional wellbeing and their perception of risk.
The research was carried out among 1,600 adults in Ireland by Amárach research yesterday.
