There have been 1,110 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ireland today.
The daily number of new cases has now been above 1,000 for five consecutive days, with almost 7,700 cases over the last seven days alone.
In a statement, the Department of Health said the highest 14-day incidence rates are in Donegal, Louth, Dublin, Limerick and Galway.
The five-day moving average of new cases currently stands at 1,182.
As of this morning, the number of COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals had dropped to 89, compared to 101 yesterday.
The number of people being treated in intensive care has remained steady, with 21 COVID-19 patients in ICUs.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said COVID-19 testing positivity rates have risen in many areas - as high as 25% in some regions, and 10% in many counties.
He said: “The more widespread it is in the community, the more it can breakthrough to those vaccinated.
“For a few weeks, let's all take care, aim to see this off & reduce illness.”
The HSE today said close contacts of someone with COVID-19 are expected to be given rapid antigen tests to do themselves from next week, rather than the usual PCR test.
