People are urged to stay safe.

As COVID-19 cases are steadily increasing across the country, the Department of Health has set out a stark warning. With 589 new cases reported yesterday, people are being urged to avoid any crowds and continue to follow any restrictions that have been put in place. Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: "Scientific evidence shows that Delta is a much more transmissible variant of Covid-19, now accounting for 80% of the cases reported in Ireland. "This is a challenge that is facing all of Europe, but we know that the basic public health measures still work against this variant. "Please continue to avoid crowds, wear a mask, manage your contacts, keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and if indoors, ensure that the room is well ventilated." There are currently 62 people being treated in hospital with the virus, with 17 of those in ICU. Stephen Donnelly has also said that hospital numbers are almost at full capacity. Glynn added that anyone who contracts the virus is urged to work alongside the contract tracing team, and if you are a close contact, stay at home and get a test as soon as possible. While cases are increasing, over 57% of adults in Ireland are now fully vaccinated, with 72% of adults with at least one dose of the vaccine. And with the rise in cases, there is also more testing being carried out as the Delta variant continues to spread. Paul Reid, Chief Executive of the HSE has said that while the positivity rate is not as high as it was back in January, but are still something to be concerned about. He said: "Vaccines will ultimately win, but the next few weeks are important that we stay ahead and protect ourselves through public health measures."