"It is extremely important to take up the opportunity of being vaccinated and come forward for your second dose as soon as it is offered to you."
As of midnight on Monday 5 July, the Department of Health has been notified of 397 new cases of Covid-19 across Ireland.
Of the 397 cases, 54 are in hospital and 16 are in intensive care units throughout the country.
According to the Department, daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan described the increase in hospitalisations over recent days as "concerning".
"We are seeing a small but concerning increase in hospitalisations in recent days, coming 10-14 days after the five day moving average of daily case numbers began to increase," he said on Tuesday.
"This is a cause for concern and we will be monitoring it closely in the days and weeks ahead. Full vaccination is needed to protect against Covid-19, including the Delta variant."
"To protect yourselves and your loved ones, it is extremely important to take up the opportunity of being vaccinated and come forward for your second dose as soon as it is offered to you. The second vaccination is very effective at preventing both disease and hospitalisation."
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that half of Ireland's adult population will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of today.
Confirming the news on Twitter on Monday, Donnelly said: "By the end of today, half our adult population will have full vaccination.
"This will continue to grow in the days and weeks ahead. It's important that everyone continues to ensure they get their second dose."
