Health officials have today confirmed 1,496 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic.
There are 248 people hospitalised with the virus, including 54 in ICU.
Daily county-by-county figures are no longer released by NPHET. Donegal now has Ireland’s second highest rate of infection per fortnight.
The 14-day incidence rate in Donegal stood at 976.8 per 100,000 on 9th August.
Ireland’s current 14-day incidence is 493 per 100,000, the highest it’s been since January 31, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said today.
On Monday evening, Letterkenny University Hospital recorded 10 patients hospitalised with Covid-19.
The average number of people with Covid-19 admitted to hospital has doubled from three last Tuesday to six today.
Dr Holohan said: “If we didn’t have vaccination our current 14-day incidence would be approximately 1,000 per 100,000 an we would be seeing up to 50 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported. Instead, we are seeing about 20 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported.
“We have an opportunity over the next few weeks to break the chains of transmission by continuing to follow the public health advice that is second nature to most of us at this stage.
“f you have any symptoms that indicate that you may have Covid-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose – isolate and get a test immediately.
“Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors, if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds. If you do not feel safe, then leave.
“Ensure to attend for your #COVID19Vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose.”