The Department of Health have reported an additional 1,377 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today.
That's up 204 from yesterday's 1173, which had been the highest number in over 5 months.
It is also reported that 78 people are being treated in hospital and 22 of them are in intensive care.
The coronavirus positivity rate among people under 24 is now as high as 15%.
As of midnight, Friday 16th July, we are reporting 1377* confirmed cases of #COVID19. — Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 17, 2021
22 in ICU. 78 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.
It comes amid growing concern about the spread of the Delta variant in younger age groups.
NPHET is urging people who haven't been vaccinated yet to avoid meeting up indoors this weekend.
Around 10 per cent of close contacts are now testing positive.
This comes with the announcement of the plan to ease travel restrictions for vaccinated visitors from two of Ireland's biggest tourism markets.
Vaccinated arrivals from Britain and the US won't have to self-isolate or provide a negative PCR test upon arrival from Monday.
The move's being welcomed by expats wishing to visit friends and family back home.
