THERE were 30 new outbreaks of coronavirus in Irish schools last week, according to figures.
There are also 125 open clusters identified in schools across the countries.
According to statistic released by the Health Protective Surveillance Centre (HPSC), households remain the hotspot for Covid-19 clusters around the country.
It's estimated that around 3,000 open clusters currently exist in Ireland.
The news comes as 444 new cases of the virus were identified, while the national 14-day incidence rate has fallen to 212.
Ireland's R Number meanwhile is now believed to be between 0.7 and 0.9.
A Co. Monoghan-based GP stressed that the key to reducing these figures was to stop non-essential travel across the country border, particularly while both Northern Ireland and the Republic are still on lockdown.
"We've got to keep doing what we're doing and continue to do it well," said Illona Duffy.
"Unfortunately that means having to stay away from people, not gathering in groups, not travelling.
Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that it was crucial for close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases to isolate for a period of 14 days and get tested.
"This is because as an identified close contact, you have come into contact with the virus. It may take some time for this to become apparent, or for you to become infectious," Holohan said during last night's NPHET health briefing.
"In following this important guidance, you are helping to bring this virus right back down to where we all need it to be and playing your part in this national effort."
