LATEST: More than 300 in hospital as 1,688 new cases of virus confirmed

There are now 314 people being treated in hospital for Covid-19 – the highest number since the end of March.

The number of people in ICU is up five to 59.

The Department of Health also confirmed this evening that a further 1,688 people have contracted the virus.

The sharp rise in hospitalisations – an increase of 55 in just 24 hours – is a cause for cause, with HHealth Service Executive (HSE) chief executive Paul Reid warning: “The threat [from Covid-19] is still very real.”

Mr Reid also  confirmed almost 6.6 million vaccines have now been ow administered, with 85% of the adult population receiving two doses and 91% of people getting at least one dose.