The Department of Health's chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has expressed serious concern about COVID-19 figures in the Republic, warning that they are "moving in the wrong direction".

A further 431 cases of the virus were confirmed on Wednesday evening, bringing the total number of cases here to 77,197. Six more deaths were also announced, bringing the total number of deaths here to 2,140.

Of the 431 cases, 134 occurred in Dublin, 53 in Donegal, 25 in Cavan, 24 in Louth and 22 in Mayo.

As of 2pm on Wednesday, there were 207 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 30 of whom were in ICU.

"We are seeing significant and concerning indicators that this disease is moving in the wrong direction, including an increase in positivity rates, and seven-day day and 14-day incidence, and our five-day average has now increased to 339 cases. Recent international experience has demonstrated just how quickly this disease can get out of control," Dr Holohan commented.

He warned that these trends are all the more worrying because from December 18, the country is due to open up more to allow people to travel and see their families for Christmas.

"As a country, we are heading into a period of potential widespread inter-household and inter-generational mixing. This is an ideal opportunity for the virus to spread and impact on those most vulnerable to its severest effects," Dr Holohan noted.

He urged people not to give COVID-19 the chance to spread.

"Limit your contacts, prioritise who you meet, and let's remain vigilant so we can get through this together," he said.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is meeting today (Thursday) to review the epidemiological situation.

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