There have been a further 1,466 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning there were 402 people hospitalised with COVID in Ireland, of whom 73 are in intensive care units.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said “Over recent days we have seen an increasing number of people with COVID-19 admitted to hospital and to intensive care. ”
He said that roughly 70% of people being treated for the disease in an intensive care units are not fully vaccinated, which is a “cause for concern”.
“Vaccination, along with our continuing adherence to the public health advice, will break the chains of transmission and drive down incidence of COVID-19 in our communities.”
He reiterated advice that anyone who has symptoms should avoid going to work, school, college, or socialising.
Dr Glynn said that he would “strongly encourage” anyone who has yet to get the vaccine, to do so, and that anyone eligible for the flu vaccine should also get it.
