Towns in Ireland could face localised lockdowns if Covid-19 case surges are reported in specific areas.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has issued advice for people in Kildare, Laois and Offaly following a rise in confirmed cases.
NPHET said it is not ruling out recommending restrictions for certain counties to contain the virus.
Over the past 14 days, 226 cases of COVID-19 have arisen in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. These represent 48 per cent, or nearly half of all cases detected in Ireland during that time.
Eighty of the cases were confirmed in one food processing plant in Co Kildare.
NPHET are now advising that everyone in Kildare, Laois and Offaly need to pay particular heed to any new symptoms that they may have.
People aged over 70 or who are vulnerable are being advised to limit the number of people they meet, keep a 2m distance if exercising outdoors and avoid public transport.
