There have been 265 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Republic, according to the Department of Health.
There have been six further deaths associated with the virus in the past 24 hours.
The latest figures bring the total amount of cases here to 73,491, while the number of coronavirus-related deaths stands at 2,086.
The numbers are reflective of the denotification of two confirmed cases of the virus, while a technical issue that delayed the uploading of laboratory results to the HPSC in recent days has been resolved.
Of the latest cases, 66% are under 45 years of age, while the median age is 33 years old.
Regarding the nationwide distribution of cases, 84 are in Dublin, 28 in Louth, 27 in Limerick, 19 in Donegal, 15 in Wicklow, 15 in Galway and the remaining 77 cases are spread across 18 other counties.
133 are men and 131 are women.
As of 2pm today, 232 people are now receiving treatment in hospital for the virus after 14 new admissions in the past 24 hours.
Of those patients, 27 are in ICU, down five since yesterday.
The 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 of the population now stands at 78.3.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health said: "We are now entering an important phase in our collective efforts to suppress spread of the virus.
"We have made significant progress and reduced transmission in our homes and communities, but it will take a consistent individual effort from everyone to keep up that momentum in coming weeks.
“The recent stabilisation in cases that we have experienced is fragile, but it is within our grasp to maximise our protection against the spread of COVID-19.
"I urge you to use the public health advice on regular handwashing, social distancing and wearing of face coverings to safeguard you and your family from the devastating impact this virus can have, especially on our most vulnerable people.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “If you are heading out this weekend, please make every effort to keep safe.
"Plan ahead, meet outside where possible and keep your contacts to a minimum. Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and leave if your environment doesn’t feel safe.”
Main image: Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
