Concern has been expressed about the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 occurring in Dublin and Limerick.

According to the acting chief medical officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, NPHET is "monitoring with growing concern the number of cases nationally, particularly in Limerick and Dublin".

"The next seven days are vital - everyone needs to reduce their contacts and assume any person you do meet may be carrying the virus," he said.

Dr Glynn made his comments after it was revealed on Monday evening that a further 102 cases of the virus have been confirmed, brining the total number of cases here to 29,774.

Just over half of these cases (56) occurred in Dublin.

Dr Abigail Collins, a consultant in public health medicine in the HSE said that in order to keep schools open, people must be vigilant in their homes.

"Be prepared for the choices and actions every individual in your household will have to take over the coming months. If we can take control of our homes and ensure they are COVID-compliant over the winter period, we will maximally protect our communities. In this pandemic, actions on a small scale have the greatest impact," she insisted.

Meanwhile, according to Prof Pete Lunn, head of the Economic and Social Research Institute's (ESRI) behavioural research unit, now is time to plan for the winter months ahead.

"Take control of your own environment by ensuring your household is up to date on, and actioning, the public health advice. Make it a habit to get outside, to socialise and exercise safely and automatically physically distance from others. Adapt to COVID-responsible behaviours in and out of the home," he said.

He urged people to plan for milestones, such as Halloween and Christmas "within a COVID-19 environment".

"Be innovative in how you can celebrate safely with loved ones. This year will bring added challenges so prioritise your mental and physical health, know how you will invest in them each week.

"Choose your close network of social visitors this winter and prioritise members of your family or friends who may be more isolated," he said.

Research carried out on behalf of the Department of Health shows that the level of worry about COVID -19 is now back to the same level of worry that was expressed back in April, when the country was in lockdown.
People are most worried about the health of their family and friends, and the economy.

The research also found that 76% of people think that Ireland will experience a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

For more information on the public health measures in place at the moment, click here.