The Chief Medical Officer has said that 'significant concern's remain as Delta cases surge across the country.
On Wednesday a further 2,051 cases were confirmed while the number of people in hospital with Covid sits at 323.
Dr Tony Holohan said that while the vaccine rollout has seen impressive levels of uptake there are still concerns about surging cases.
However the Chief Medical Officer added that vaccines are around 80% effective at preventing hospitalisation but warned that 70% of cases are among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.
Speaking on Wednesday he said: “While we have increasing levels of vaccination across the population, we continue to have significant concerns over the Delta variant and the increase in the incidence of disease across a range of factors. Unfortunately, this variant is still circulating widely.
“Over 70% of cases are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and we are seeing a high incidence of COVID-19 in adults and teenagers aged 16-29.
"If you haven’t yet registered for your vaccine or have delayed receiving your second dose, please do so as soon as possible. We know that vaccines work.
"They are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation.
“It is very important that we remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health measures that we are all so familiar with. This is especially important for anyone who is soon to return to school and college.
“Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands properly and often, maintain a social distance, manage your contacts and avoid crowds.”
The CMO's warning comes as the government confirmed it will not bring in new laws to allow only fully vaccinated people attend outdoor gigs like Electric Picnic because they want to move away from such restrictions, the Irish Mirror understands.
While Dr Tony Holohan is expected to advise the Government to wait between four to six weeks before they begin to ease any more restrictions.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will announce a major roadmap next week which will give a timeline for the lifting of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions.
