LATEST: 2,051 new cases of virus confirmed as incidence rate spirals

A further 2,051 people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

That’s an increase of 480 on yesterday’s total.

The number of people with the virus in hospital has been recorded at 323, an increase of five on yesterday’s numbers.

There are 58 patients in intensive care, down two on yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said: “While we have increasing levels of vaccination across the population, we continue to have significant concerns over the Delta variant and the increase in the incidence of disease across a range of factors.

“Unfortunately, this variant is still circulating widely.

“Over 70% of cases are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and we are seeing a high incidence of COVID-19 in adults and teenagers aged 16-29.

“If you haven’t yet registered for your vaccine or have delayed receiving your second dose, please do so as soon as possible. We know that vaccines work,” Dr Holohan concluded.