The head of the HSE has appealed to people not to stop casually for a chat if they meet someone.
Paul Reid has warned it is vital that the transmission of Covid-19 in Ireland is interrupted now.
His warning comes as Ireland battles to stop the rising Covid numbers in a bid to avoid a Christmas lockdown.
“Today & for next 2 weeks, ask ourselves, who do we really need to meet? Who can we defer inviting to our home? If you casually meet someone, avoid that desire to head for a chat. Take a step back.Tough, yes. But it’s avoiding more people hospitalised or in ICU,” Mr Reid tweeted.
He was writing following confirmation yesterday of the deaths of a further five people with coronavirus.
The highest number of new coronavirus cases since April was also confirmed, with 617 in the last 24-hour period.
It is the third time in a week the number of daily Covid-19 cases has exceeded 600.
Donegal still has the highest rate of Covid in the country with the Lifford and Stranorlar areas having an incidence in excess of 600 per 100,000 people.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Holohan said the profile of the infection was continuing to deteriorate.
He said that, ahead of the weekend, early and individual action by people was needed to suppress the virus by adhering to the public health guidelines and restrictions.
Figures also show the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 continues to rise.
The latest figures show there are 194 patients being treated this morning.
It represents the highest number since 2 June, when there were also 194 people in hospital and compares to 187 last night and 179 at the same time yesterday.
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