The number of Covid-19 patients being admitted to hospital has quadrupled in the last month, in what has been described as a "very concerning" trend.
HSE Chief Paul Reid said late on Monday night that 90 people are currently receiving treatment for the deadly bug in Irish hospitals, up from 23 just four weeks ago.
And the number being admitted to intensive care has also jumped from eight to 19 during the same period, something which Mr Reid said was "very concerning."
In a tweet, he said: "Tonight there are 90 people hospitalised, 19 in ICU (23 & 8, 4 weeks ago). This is a very concerning trend.
"Please ignore noises that relay otherwise. We all have to protect our family, friends & health workers from being the next number. Please let's do it. We can."
His message comes after Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn appealed for people to follow public health advice and encourage their loved ones to do the same.
Dr Glynn was speaking after Ireland recorded another 188 new cases on Monday.
He said: “The spirit of the response to Covid-19 since the outset of this pandemic has been solidarity and cooperation.
"While this pandemic is a uniquely challenging time for everyone, we can and will support one another in getting through this. "
Dr Glynn added: “Encourage your family and friends to heed the public health advice.
"Now more than ever, we need to work collectively. Our individual actions count on a population level.
“Every one of us doing our bit in our daily lives - halving our social contacts, working from home, keeping our distance, wearing a face covering, washing our hands - matters a great deal.
"These small, positive steps taken together amount to our best and strongest defence against the virus.”
The total number of cases in Ireland now stands at 33,121 while the death toll stands at 1,792.
