"Anyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine should do so as soon as possible."
There have been 1,592 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland on Monday.
The figures released from the Department of Health on Monday 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 Monday, 318 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 60 are in ICU.
Following the case numbers, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said that "we are still not at the peak" of the Delta wave of Covid-19.
"Over the course of the last seven days, 32 people with Covid-19 were admitted to critical care facilities and today, there are a total of 60 people with Covid-19 receiving critical care," he said on Monday.
"The median age of those in ICU is 55 - this means that 50% of the patients currently in ICU with Covid-19 are aged less than 55 years."
Dr Holohan also expressed concern over the rise in hospitalisations as they climbed to over 300 for the first time in five months on Sunday.
"Over the weekend, we reported that the number of newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in hospital in a single day had reached a level not seen since mid-February this year," he added.
"Unfortunately, all of this indicates that we are still not at the peak of this wave of Covid-19 and that many people continue to experience severe illness due to Covid-19.
"While our vaccination programme continues to offer great hope, at this point in time, only 53% of 16 to 29 year-olds are fully vaccinated."
He added that the 16 to 29 age group "continues to account for the highest incidence of Covid-19 in our population."
"Anyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine, should do so as soon as possible. It is vital that all of us complete our vaccination schedule, you will be fully protected 7-14 days after your second dose.
"Consider each activity you take part in for its level of risk. Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate, keep your distance and avoid crowds."
Main Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie.
