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The Health Department has reported 217 more cases of Covid-19, the highest daily figure since May.
It brings the total number of official cases in Ireland to 29,025.
There were no more deaths from the coronavirus, which means that the death toll remains at 1,777.
Of the cases reported today, 103 are men and 113 are women, with 70% in people under 45 years of age.
Today’s breakdown of cases is: 103 in Dublin, 25 in Kildare, 17 in Limerick, 17 in Tipperary, seven in Waterford, seven in Wicklow, six in Clare and five in Louth.
The remaining 30 are in Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath and Wexford.
Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn said: “While the number of cases today is the highest daily figure reported since May, the five-day moving average remains relatively stable at 115 cases per day.”
“However, this is still a considerable number of cases.
“I urge everyone to redouble their efforts now: wash your hands regularly, physically distance yourself, wear face covers when appropriate, avoid crowded areas, know the symptoms, isolate yourself, contact a GP if you have concerns.” .
In Northern Ireland, 49 new Covid-19 cases have been confirmed today, bringing the total number of cases to 7,294.
There have been no more deaths in the region, which means that the total number of deaths remains 560.
There are currently 18 hospitalized patients in Northern Ireland with Covid-19, with three in the ICU.
There has been a small increase in the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospitals in the Republic.
There were 35 patients in the hospital overnight with confirmed Covid-19, two more than the day before. Six of these patients are in the ICU.
The number of suspected cases has also increased from 70 to 109, according to HSE figures, with 11 of these patients in ICU.
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Meanwhile, some hospitals are beginning to see an increase in overcrowding levels in their emergency departments, according to the Irish Organization of Nurses and Midwives.
He reports that today there are 43 patients waiting at Cork University Hospital and 32 at Limerick University Hospital.
Overall, INMO says that today there are 206 patients waiting in emergency departments or wards to be admitted to a bed.
The HSE places the lowest figure at 167 patients.
Flu Vaccination Program Expanded This Year
An expanded flu vaccination program is scheduled to be rolled out across the country this fall.
The Health Department has said the expansion is to protect society and the health service from any increase in Covid-19 cases that occurs at the same time as an increase in influenza infections.
The goal of the expanded program is to reduce the overall spread of flu in the community and reduce flu-related hospital admissions by increasing vaccinations in vulnerable groups, according to the department.
The department said that all those in risk groups, including healthcare workers, will be able to receive the vaccine for free.
All children ages 2 to 12 can also get the vaccine for free.
The vaccine will be given to children through nasal drops instead of an injection.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “The health service is entering a challenging winter period, amid a global pandemic.
“It is important that we make all collective efforts to limit the impact on the health service in the coming months.
“The vaccine will be available through your GP or pharmacist, and I urge everyone to get vaccinated this winter.”
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