There have been 1,496 new cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
The latest available figures show 248 people are hospitalised with the virus - 54 of these are in ICU.
Ireland's 14-day incidence rate is 493 per 100,000 - the highest since January 31st.
While the five-day moving average of COVID-19 cases has dropped back to 1,773.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says he is particularly concerned over rising ICU admissions.
"As a public health doctor, I am keenly aware of the impact the public health advice has had on all in society.
"Making the decision not to attend work or socialise if you are displaying symptoms can be very difficult.
"Similarly, choosing to leave a family gathering or social event because it doesn't feel safe is hard and can cause anxiety.
"Unfortunately, the fact remains that incidence of COVID-19 in Ireland is continuing to increase.
"Our current 14-day incidence is 493 per 100,000, the highest it's been since January 31st, and incidence of disease is continuing to rise steadily in nearly all age groups and in 21 out of 26 counties.
"Last Tuesday, we were seeing an average of three people with COVID-19 admitted to ICU per day - today, that figure has doubled to six people with COVID-19 admitted to ICU per day.
Last Tuesday, we were seeing an average of 3 people with #COVID19 admitted to ICU per day, today, that figure has doubled to 6 people with #COVID19 admitted to ICU per day.
— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) August 17, 2021
"If we didn't have vaccination our current 14-day incidence would be approximately 1,000 per 100,000 and we would be seeing up to 50 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported.
"Instead, we are seeing about 20 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported."
Dr Holohan adds that the next few weeks will be important to break the chains of transmission.
"We have an opportunity over the next few weeks to break the chains of transmission by continuing to follow the public health advice that is second nature to most of us at this stage.
"If you have any symptoms that indicate that you may have COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors, if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds.
"If you do not feel safe, then leave. Ensure to attend for your COVID-19 vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose."
