The Department of Health as confirmed an additional 1,377 new coronavirus cases in Ireland this afternoon.
There are currently 78 people receiving treatment in hospital with 22 in ICU.
Concerns about the Delta variant continue to rise across the country with young people and those who have not been fully vaccinated advised to avoid social gatherings such as barbecues this weekend.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said yesterday: "We continue to experience rapid increases in the incidence of the disease in the community, with cases increasing in 22 out of 26 counties and with the greatest majority of cases occurring in people who have not yet been fully vaccinated.
“The current trajectory of the highly transmissible Delta variant across the country means that unvaccinated people are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, with just over 50% of today’s cases aged between 19-34 years old.
“We need those who are waiting for full vaccination to take every precaution this weekend and to adhere strongly to the public health advice as they await their vaccines – this includes limiting your social contacts, meeting outdoors, staying 2m apart, wearing masks and avoiding international travel.
"If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu: headache, sore throat, runny nose, please let your close contacts know, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible for COVID-19."
