In his letter today to the Health Minister, @ronan_glynn said NPHET had discussed the "changing profile" of contacts identified - more household, workplace and social contacts as well as those associated with sporting activities.

71% of cases notified in the past 14 days have occurred in people aged under 45, with some evidence of an increase in the disease incidence in those over 65 - possibly accounting for new advice for the over 70s today.

Kildare continues to have the highest 14-day incidence, followed by Laois and Offaly. However the number of clusters is spreading beyond these counties.

161 new outbreaks notified in the week 9-15 August and there are more clusters recently related to social and family engagements, sporting activities and workplaces.

There are currently 290 'open' outbreaks - the majority in private households.

Dr Glynn said the focus of NPHET's proposed measures is threefold:
- limit congregation and inter-household interactions;
- enhance the application, inspection and enforcement of current measures;
- roll-out further targeted protective measures.

He said while NPHET recognises individuals must take responsibility for their own behaviour, there is also "a firm responsibility on employers and organisations to ensure workplaces, venues, events and other activities adhere to public health advice".

There is also a responsibility on relevant authorities and regulatory bodies, he said, to ensure measures are applied, monitored and enforced.

Particular concern was expressed at the NPHET meeting that some premises purporting to operate as restaurants are not always doing so, "having a significant detrimental effect on the solidarity and sense of fairness that has underpinned the national effort to date".

Dr Glynn said health officials wanted to reiterate the need for more urgent and stronger measures addressing these circumstances, including the closure of premises that are disregarding guidance that applies to their sector.

Concern was also expressed at the NPHET meeting about clusters linked to sporting activities. Physical distancing before and after events, during breaks and in play need to be adhered to, Glynn said. Team huddles should be avoided.