A leading health expert says Waterford should move to level 4 restrictions, along with Dublin, Louth, and Donegal.
Professor Anthony Staines says Carlow, Kilkenny and the rest of the country should go into Level 3.
It comes as the 14-day incidence rate in those counties continues to rise, while nationally it stands at 70.4 percent.
At least some of the rise in Waterford cases is being linked to a Covid-19 outbreak at a meat factory in South KIlkenny.
Piltown MDC Cathaoirleach Eamon Aylward says many of the South Kilkenny and Waterford city cases are linked but we all have play a part in reducing the numbers by increasing our personal vigilance.
DCU Professor Anthony Staines tighter restrictions will be needed to help bring the virus under control.
