The numbers are concerning.

A further 84 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening and three more people have died from the disease.

Of the new cases, 51 are in Dublin, six are in Offaly, five are in Kildare and the remaining 22 cases have been recorded across Cork, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon, Tipp, Westmeath and Wicklow.

The median age of patients is now 32 years old.

Speaking at a press briefing this evening at the Department of Health, Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of NPHET Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, confirmed the five-day average for new cases is now 172, which is significantly higher than in recent weeks when the number was between 100-120.

Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre @hpscireland has today been informed that 3 people with #COVID19 have died.

There has now been a total of 1,781 #COVID19 related deaths in Ireland.

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) September 9, 2020

Professor Nolan said he was concerned that the number of cases in Dublin was “going in the wrong direction”.

“It has begun to spread from the young population to the older population. That is a very significant concern for us,” he said.

“If we don’t act now to reduce our contacts … that means the number of cases in Dublin would double every 14 days or so,”

NPHET to meet on Thursday

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet again tomorrow to discuss whether further restrictions are necessary.

A total of 307 cases were confirmed on Tuesday, with one further death.

Addressing the spike in cases, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn urged the public to “assume that you or those that you meet may be infectious and act accordingly”.

“Do not underestimate the risks associated with any of your interactions, including with your family, friends or work colleagues,” he added.

Majority of outbreaks recorded in private homes 

Figures released earlier today by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show that there 122 new coronavirus outbreaks have been reported within the last week, bringing the total number of outbreaks reported in Ireland to 2,878.

Of these, 2,018 outbreaks of Covid-19 were in private houses, five were in pubs, five were in cafés or restaurants and two were in hotels. There have been 85 workplace outbreaks and 279 in nursing homes.

A long-term plan for managing Ireland’s response to the virus will be published by the Government on Tuesday.