"We are continuing to see an increase in the incidence rate of Covid-19."
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan has said that it's "important we do as much as possible" to control the spread of the Delta variant across Ireland as the incidence rate continues to increase.
581 cases of the virus were reported on Wednesday, meanwhile, 60 people are in hospital and 17 are in intensive care units.
Following the case numbers, Dr Holohan said that while the increase in the incidence rate is concerning, there are "reasons to be positive" due to "high levels of adherence to public health advice" and increased vaccine uptake.
“We are continuing to see an increase in the incidence rate of COVID-19, and so, it is important that we do as much as possible to control the spread of the disease as the vaccination programme opens to all adults over the age of 18," he said.
“The continuing high levels of adherence to the public health advice, high levels of vaccine uptake and community engagement with testing centres around the country are all reasons to be positive."
The CMO also encouraged people to isolate and get a PCR test right away if they display any symptoms of the virus.
"If you display any symptoms of Covid-19, it is important that you isolate straight away and come forward for a PCR test," he added.
