Another six people have died of Covid-19 in Ireland while a further 23 new cases have also been confirmed.
Ten of these new cases are in younger adults aged under 35 – and eight more are in those aged between 35 and 54.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said he was concerned about the age profile of the new cases.
He warned: “This is now a real concern and a worrying trend at a time when many people are reconnecting with friends and loved ones and may be gathering in larger groups.”
Ireland’s coronavirus death toll has now hit 1,734, including the six new fatalities and after two deaths were denotified.
A total of 25,437 cases have now been diagnosed in the Republic of Ireland.
Dr Holohan said some cases diagnosed in the past few days have also had “large numbers of close contacts”.
“High levels of compliance to public health advice to date has enabled further reopening of economic and social life.
“However, of the 23 cases reported today, 10 cases – 43 per cent – are in younger adults aged under 35 years. A further 8 cases – 35 per cent – are in those aged between 35-54.
“In recent days, for example, some cases have had large numbers of close contacts that have required testing and self-isolation for 14 days.
“Covid-19 is an infection that affects all ages and it is incumbent on all of us to take our individual responsibility seriously.
“I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to remain informed, keep a 2m distance from others and follow the public health advice on hand washing, cough and sneeze hygiene, and wearing face coverings,” he warned.
In the North, one further Covid-19 death was reported today.
The death toll there now stands at 549. Two more cases were diagnosed in the past 24 hours, bringing the case total to 5,750.
