Health officials have announced a further 1,453 COVID cases this evening.
The Department of Health said it has been notified of the deaths of 40 people with COVID this week.
It takes the death toll in Ireland to 5,249.
This morning, there were 300 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – the same number as yesterday and 28 more than this day last week.
There were 60 in intensive care, which is three fewer than last week.
The five-day moving average has increased to 1359.
A bed at is seen at a hospital in Liverpool, England in 2014. Picture by: Lynne Cameron/PA Archive/PA ImagesThe Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan urged people to continue to follow the guidance on masks, hand washing and ventilation as restrictions ease.
“As more of the activities we enjoy become available to us this week, it is important that we continue this national effort to break the chains of transmission of COVID-19,” he said.
“Vaccination remains our best means of protection and, if vaccination is available to you, then I strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate - particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings - keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces.
“If you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, fatigue, headache, or sore throat, isolate and contact your GP who will advise if you need to arrange a test."
He said more than 90% of the population over the age of 16 is now fully vaccinated.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have seen Irish people make extraordinary efforts to drive down incidence of COVID-19 by following the public health advice,” he said.
“More recently, the response to Ireland’s vaccination programme has been heartening and now just under 91% of the population aged 16 years and older are fully protected through vaccination.
“Our collective efforts have protected thousands of people from experiencing the worst outcomes from COVID-19.”
