Health chiefs have confirmed a further 581 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland this afternoon.
There are currently 52 people being treated for the virus in hospital with 16 in ICU.
The latest case numbers come after Dr Tony Holohan issued a warning over the Delta variant last night and sent a message to young people.
A further 631 infections were confirmed last night.
The Chief Medical Officer said this was the highest since April, adding it was a "cause for concern".
He also urged young people to "hold firm" as they wait to receive their vaccination, with the youngest adults not expected to be fully vaccinated until September at the earliest.
He said: “Today we are reporting over 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the first time since late April. This is a cause of concern and shows that this disease is prevalent in our communities again.
“We know there is worry and frustration out there, particularly for young people who have had significant parts of their lives put on hold by this disease. We ask if you are not yet vaccinated, to hold firm to the public health advice as you await your vaccine.
"Please continue to manage your contacts, meet outdoors and avoid crowds."
The CMO added: “If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 or have any concerns, please isolate and seek a free PCR test as soon as possible. If you are not yet fully vaccinated and a close contact of a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, you also need to isolate and get a free PCR test.”
