A further 1,688 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ireland today.
It brings the five-day moving average of case numbers to 1,918.
Figures released by the HSE this morning showed there were 314 people with COVID-19 being treated in Irish hospitals - the first time the figure has surpassed 300 since late March.
It compares to 259 patients in hospital on Saturday.
Of the patients currently in hospital, 59 are in ICU - an increase of five over a 24-hour period.
In a series of tweets this weekend, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the number of newly confirmed cases in hospital has “reached a level not seen since mid-February”.
The number of newly confirmed #COVID19 cases in hospital in the last 24 hours has reached a level not seen since mid-February.
This upward trend in serious infection is of significant concern, increasing the pressure on frontline healthcare services and non-COVID care.— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) August 21, 2021
He said: “This upward trend in serious infection is of significant concern, increasing the pressure on frontline healthcare services and non-COVID care.
“I would urge those who are unvaccinated to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible and to take all recommended doses to limit your risk of severe infection.
“It is critical for everyone to stay safe by following the public health advice as part of their daily routine.”
