Micheál Martin has warned everybody to “be careful” as Covid case numbers continue to soar every day.
The Taoiseach was speaking ahead of a weekend where the country is set to bask in glorious sunshine in a mini-heatwave.
But the news was not so good on the Covid front, with a 50% hike in case numbers since Wednesday alone.
There were another 1,200 cases announced on Friday evening, up from just under 1,000 on Thursday and 800 on Wednesday.
This illustrates that Delta is still on the march and Mr Martin is urging people to stick with public health guidelines at this crucial juncture.
He said: “The essential point I would make is that it’s important that everybody is careful, that personal behaviour matters, social distancing, mask-wearing in places, outdoor as much as possible.
“We want to protect the progress that we’ve made in relation to the reopening of society.
“In terms of the further reopening of indoor dining and hospitality, that will be for those who are fully vaccinated, and again, it’s important that people adhere to guidelines and regulations.
“The Delta variant is here.
“There will be an increase in case numbers.
“We’re watching very carefully the impact on isolations and on ICUs (Intensive Care Units) and I’m in regular contact with the public health authorities, the CMO (Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan) and also the HSE.
“Meanwhile, we will say to people, the vaccination programme is continuing to roll out.
“It’s important to get your vaccines.
“It’s important because they offer us protection individually and they also offer protection in a wider context for your family and your loved ones and wider society.”
