LATEST: ‘A significant cause for concern’ – worrying rise in hospitalisations as almost 1,500 new cases of virus confirmed

A further 1,466 more people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

And the number of patients being treated in hospital with the virus now stands at 402, a rise of two on yesterday. Of these, 73 patients are in intensive care units, down two from yesterday.

Commenting on the latest figures, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn said some 70% of people currently being treated in ICU have not been fully vaccinated, which he described as “a significant cause for concern”.

Dr Glynn urged people to get the Covid-19 vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine.

He added: “I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to take up the opportunity to do so as soon as possible to best protect yourself and those around you from Covid-19.