The Chief Medical Officer says the incidence of Covid-19 is rising steadily in all age groups and in 21 of 26 counties.
The 14-day incidence rate is 493 cases per 100,000 people, the highest it has been since January.
1,496 new cases were reported here yesterday, while 230 were in hospital last night, and 54 in intensive care.
The number of daily admissions to ICU with the disease has also doubled from 3 to 6 in the past week.
UCD virus expert, Dr Gerald Barry, says more needs to be done to stem rising infection rates.
"I don't think we're using messaging properly to communicate, particularly in workplaces and on public transport.
"I think there's a lack of understanding still about how to wear masks, and how to select what is a good mask.
"They should be employing more people in public health and contact tracing - I think there's a whole host of things that could be improved that aren't really being done."
