A further 4,407 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning, there were 614 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – an 18% rise on this day last week.

There were 114 in intensive care, which is up 37% on last week.

The five-day moving average has increased to 4,581.

The COVID-19 five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the recent rise in COVID cases is unsustainable.

“In the last 14 days, we have been notified of almost 55,000 cases of COVID-19,” he said.

“The only time we have had more cases in a 14-day period was in January this year, and, unfortunately, we do expect this figure to increase in the coming days.

“This case level is unsustainable. When incidence of disease is as high as this, we must all act as though we are close contacts and as though we are at risk of transmitting the virus to others.

“We are more likely to contract COVID-19 from someone we know - a friend, a work colleague, a teammate - than a stranger passing by in a shop or on the bus. Please prioritise who you need to meet.”

He said today’s changes to the vaccine booster programme mean more than two million people are now eligible.

“It is important that you attend for your booster appointment as soon as it is offered to you,” he said.

“Given the risk to you from the current force of infection in the community, it is really important that you minimise, as much as possible, your social contacts, while waiting for your booster.

“Family and friends of all those who will soon be called for a booster should also continue to follow the public health advice, this is the best way to protect your loved one.”

The Taoiseach this evening confirmed that a number of restrictions would be tightened in response to the rising case numbers.

You can see all the changes at a glance here.