The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 1,592 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
As of 8am today, 318 patients are hospitalised, of which 60 are in ICU.
Dr. Tony Holohan has said: "Over the course of the last seven days, 32 people with Covid-19 were admitted to critical care facilities and today, there are a total of 60 people with Covid-19 receiving critical care. The median age of those in ICU is 55 - this means that 50% of the patients currently in ICU with Covid-19 are aged less than 55 years.
"Over the weekend, we reported that the number of newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in hospital in a single day had reached a level not seen since mid-February this year.
"Unfortunately, all of this indicates that we are still not at the peak of this wave of COVID-19 and that many people continue to experience severe illness due to COVID-19. While our vaccination programme continues to offer great hope, at this point in time, only 53% of 16- to 29-year-olds are fully vaccinated. This age group continues to account for the highest incidence of COVID-19 in our population.
"Anyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine, should do so as soon as possible. It is vital that all of us complete our vaccination schedule – you will be fully protected 7-14 days after your second dose.
"Consider each activity you take part in for its level of risk. Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate, keep your distance and avoid crowds. Manage your social contacts and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild self-isolate immediately and arrange a test through the HSE or your GP."
Earlier today, Professor Philip Nolan said that mask-wearing will remain a rule and regulation in Irish society, despite the likelihood of restrictions easing at the end of the month.
Professor Nolan made the comments on Monday morning amid anger from the live entertainment sector.
Nolan said: “To a certain extent, the current case numbers were expected. What they’re showing us is, quite simply, that the vaccination programme isn’t finished yet.
“The good news is over 90% of adults have their first dose at this point - but the first dose offers you very little protection, especially against the Delta variant.
“The number that matters is around 75% of the adult population are 7-14 days after completing their vaccine regimen - and therefore have achieved the maximum level of immunity.”
The Nphet member told Newstalk that he understands why people forget or “get casual” about measures such as mask-wearing.
However, the advice won't change any time soon from NPHET.
Later this month, Ireland will take another important step towards reopening — with the updated Covid-19 roadmap to be published on August 31.
It’s expected that the updated strategy will chart Ireland’s path from September through winter and it’s likely that a further easing of restrictions won’t occur until later in September.
The return to workplaces, sectoral use of antigen testing and the need for new HSE winter plans and vaccine boosters to be assessed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) will be on the agenda.
The roadmap will also include measures for the live entertainment sector.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the easing of restrictions with the Government, followed by a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 on Friday.
