Some health experts are urging the government to consider making it mandatory for people on Dublin's streets to wear face masks.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer has appealed to people in the capital to keep their social contacts as low as possible, due to rising Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks.
Of the 138 new infections confirmed last night, 68 were in Dublin.
Professor of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin, Luke O'Neill, says mask wearing should be encouraged on crowded streets;
"You can't keep the distance in that situation because remember if you stay two metres away that's really good and outdoors is even better by the way" he said.
"...but if you get within a few inches of someone, especially on a crowded street it would be wise to put your mask on."
Meanwhile Dr Jack Lambert told the Irish Independent that a decision "must be taken now" on wearing face coverings in congregated outdoor areas.
The consultant in infectious diseases at the Mater Hospital has warned the use of masks is still not widespread enough and new measures are needed to reduce the number of daily infections.
