NPHET says there will be a "significant" number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in the days and weeks ahead.
A further 28 deaths were confirmed last night, bringing the total this month to 208 - and some of those who've died have been as young as 25.
Health officials also reported 3,955 new cases - and nearly as many people have tested positive in the last 2 weeks as in all of 2020.
There were 217 new confirmed cases in Galway, 83 in Mayo, 39 in Roscommon, 24 in Sligo and 11 in Leitrim.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn says everyone following the public health advice can stop more people becoming seriously ill:
