The Deputy Chief Medical Officer has issued a sombre update on the current situation with Covid-19 in Ireland as cases continue to rise.
Dr Ronan Glynn cited the counties that continue to struggle to contain the virus, as well as one age group when the incidence is "particularly high".
It comes as 1,978 new cases of the disease were confirmed on Friday, with 221 people currently being treated in hospital for coronavirus.
Commenting on the figures, Dr Glynn said: “We have reported over 10,000 cases in the last week and, while we have very high incidence across Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Louth and Cavan in particular, incidence is rising across all 26 counties.
"In addition, while incidence is particularly high in those aged 16-29 years, incidence is now rising across all age groups."
He added that the rollout of vaccines is having a positive impact on people who do test positive for the virus, as those who are fully inoculated can largely avoid serious illness.
Almost 6.3 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland to date.
This means that over 80% of adults here are now fully vaccinated and almost 90% partially.
Dr Glynn continued: "While vaccination has very positively impacted on the proportion of positive cases who end up in hospital or critical care, the current high and increasing incidence will nevertheless result in a significant number of people getting very sick with Covid-19.
"At the peak of the second wave in October we had 47 people in critical care. Today we have 43, with 8 new admissions in the last 24 hours.
"Vaccines work, but they must also be supported by all of us continuing to follow the public health advice to keep each other safe and break the chains of transmission of Covid-19."
He urged people to remain cautious when socialising and to assess the risk of their plans before meeting with others.
The public are also asked to keep adhering to health guidelines and to get tested if they show any symptoms associated with the virus.
He said: "If you plan to socialise this weekend, risk assess your plans.
"Try to meet up in small groups, meet outdoors and avoid crowds if possible. Wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts and maintain your social distance.
"If you are in an environment that feels unsafe then leave. Remember that if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, self-isolate - do not meet up with others or go to work - and arrange a test."
