Case numbers continue to soar.

A further 1,000 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Ireland within the past 24 hours, with three further deaths from the disease.

Of the new cases, 88 are in Cork, with 254 in Dublin, 102 in Meath, 81 in Cavan, 75 in Galway and the remaining 400 cases spread across 20 counties.

“Case numbers are continuing to rise,” warned Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan.

“Right now, we need everyone to cut their social contacts to an absolute minimum. Every time you physically interact with another person, you are providing an opportunity for the virus to spread.”

‘We will need further action’

The Cabinet is due to meet on Saturday to discuss a six-week ‘Level 5 lockdown’ recommended by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Speaking from Brussels this afternoon, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government would provide “a comprehensive response” to the latest public health advice.

“We’re giving this very active consideration, the advice is the situation is very serious and we will need further action in relation to this,” he said.

Level 5 restrictions would see all non-essential services and retail outlets closed, restaurants, cafes and pubs offer takeaway only and members of the public advised to stay indoors, travelling no more than 5k from home for exercise.

Wedding guest numbers would be reduced to no more than six, with just ten mourners permitted at funerals.

No decision has been made on whether schools would close for the duration of a Level 5 lockdown.