Restrictions aimed at suppressing the spread of COVID-19 are to continue in Kildare for another two weeks, the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has confirmed.

According to Minister Donnelly, specific restrictions that were introduced on August 7 in three counties - Kildare, Offaly and Laois - have been lifted in the other two counties with immediate effect. They are now subject to the same restrictions as the rest of the country (see here).

He noted that Kildare "has seen an improvement", with the number of new cases stabilising and falling in recent days.

"Without this progress, many more people right across Kildare would be infected. Some would be very seriously ill and nursing homes would have been far more exposed. The number of cases in Kildare is nonetheless still high.

"The total number (of cases) over the past two weeks detected in Ireland per 100,000 of the population is 27. For Kildare, it is nearly 200 and the number of new cases per day is about twice as high as it was two weeks ago. The measures are working but they need more time," Minister Donnelly said.

According to the acting chief medical officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, "the epidemiological situation in Kildare means that we must extend the public health measures for a further two weeks".

"While there is some cause for optimism, the seven and 14-day incidence rates in Kildare remain very high. Evidence suggests that the measures are working, but more time is required to reduce the number of cases there," he explained.

He thanked everybody in the three counties "who have shown an incredible example of solidarity and social responsibility by following the enhanced public health advice" in their regions.

"We as a nation must show solidarity with Kildare in our collective efforts, especially over the next two weeks, by working together to suppress this virus. We can protect each other by following the public health advice," Dr Glynn said.

Meanwhile, Minister Donnelly also confirmed that despite the restrictions continuing in Kildare, "schools will reopen as planned".

"The advice from public health doctors is very clear on schools. They must reopen. There is a lot of evidence about the positive impact of schools on children's development, mental health and education," he said.

Dr Glynn urged all households across Ireland to "play their part" in the suppression of the virus by reducing their social contacts, washing their hands, keeping a two-metre distance from each other and wearing a face covering in shops and on public transport.

"These actions are vital to protect our families and safeguard those who are most vulnerable to the disease," Dr Glynn insisted.

Seventy-nine more cases of the virus were confirmed on Friday evening, bringing the total number of cases here to 27,755. No new deaths were reported, leaving the total number of deaths at 1,776.

The specific restrictions for Kildare can be viewed here. The restrictions aimed at the rest of the country can be viewed here.