There have been a further 431 cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths.
134 of the new cases are in Dublin, 53 in Donegal, 25 in Cavan, 24 in Louth and 22 in Mayo.
The 14-day incidence rate is now just under 88 per 100,000, up from 85 yesterday.
There were 207 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospital as of 2pm this afternoon, including 30 in intensive care.
The national 14-day incidence rate has now risen to 87 per 100,000.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “We are seeing significant and concerning indicators that this disease in moving in the wrong direction, including an increase in positivity rates, and 7 day and 14 day incidence, and our 5 day average has now increased to 339 cases.
"Recent international experience has demonstrated just how quickly this disease can get out of control.”
He said the situation is 'precarious' ahead of Christmas, when there'll potentially be "widespread inter-household and inter-generational mixing".
He urged people to now limit their contacts and prioritise who they meet.
NPHET will meet tomorrow to discuss the situation.
