Here's A Reminder Of Today's Covid Headlines
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Health officials are reporting 1,688 new cases of covid-19 today.
314 patients are in hospital with the virus, the highest number seen since March.
While 59 people are currently receiving intensive care.
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There has been an 18 percent increase in the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 in the space of 24 hours.
HSE Chief Executive, Paul Reid, says the threat posed by the virus remains "very real".
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Concern has been raised about the waning effectiveness of Covid 19 vaccines against the Delta variant, after Israel reported a steep increase in cases and deaths.
The country was one of the first in the world to vaccinate it's population...but is now dealing with a major surge of cases, including breakthrough infections.
Trinity College Immunologist Kingstown Mills says Ireland's booster campaign should only target the elderly and vulnerable for now...as new vaccines are already being developed.
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The HSE's expecting a surge in the number of young people seeking a Covid-19 test next month.
The head of its test and trace programme says up to 15,000 tests are being carried out at sites each day, but they expect that to rise as schools reopen.
Roughly 1 in 10 tests are currently returning a positive result.
Niamh O'Beirne says plans are being put in place for an increase in self-referrals.
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The Arts Minister proposed full capacity at live events for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Catherine Martin met with representatives from the entertainment industry earlier this week with discussions to continue between the Minister an the State's expert group on antigen testing.
A roadmap is to be unveilled later this month on reopening all sectors and easing all remaining restrictions.
Today, 40,000 people will be in Croke Park for the All-Ireland final.
