"The threat is still very real."
There have been 1,668 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland on Sunday as hospitalisations have increased to over 300 for the first time in five months.
The figures released from the Department of Health on Sunday did not include the number of deaths related to the virus.
The Department of Health's statement said the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation.
As of 8am on Sunday, 314 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 59 are in ICU.
It comes as HSE CEO Paul Reid said on Sunday that the "threat" of the Delta variant is "still very real" amid the rise in hospitalisations.
Taking to Twitter he said: "Vaccinations continue this weekend. Almost 6.6M now administered.
"91% of adults partially vaccinated & 85% fully. 135,000 12-15s registered and 77,000 now administered.
"But, the threat is still very real as 314 Covid-19 patients are now hospitalised and 54 in ICU. Take good care."
On Saturday the HSE Chief urged the public
not to dismiss public health advice as further walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics are operating this weekend.
He took to Twitter to remind people that it is "never too late" to get a Covid-19 vaccine.
"You may decide to ignore strong advice today from many of the top medics in the country. But please don't dismiss it," he wrote.
"If, as an adult, you decide not to be vaccinated, you do put yourself and others at much higher risk. We won't leave anyone behind and it's never too late."
Main Image: Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland/RollingNews.ie.
