Younger unvaccinated people are being urged to take extra precautions as 1,173 new cases are confirmed in Ireland.
There are 79 patients with the virus in hospitals, including 23 in ICU.
Letterkenny University Hospital has six patients with the virus, as of 8pm last night.
The greatest majority of cases are occurring in people who have not yet been fully vaccinated, Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer has said.
“The current trajectory of the highly transmissible Delta variant across the country means that unvaccinated people are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, with just over 50% of today’s cases aged between 19-34 years old,” Dr Holohan said.
“We need those who are waiting for full vaccination to take every precaution this weekend and to adhere strongly to the public health advice as they await their vaccines – this includes limiting your social contacts, meeting outdoors, staying 2m apart, wearing masks and avoiding international travel. If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu: headache, sore throat, runny nose, please let your close contacts know, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible for COVID-19.
“From today, 25-29 year olds can register for their vaccine on the HSE website and I would strongly encourage this age group to do so by visiting: vaccine.hse.ie