There have been 1,571 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
The latest available figures show 307 patients are hospitalised with the virus - of which 55 are in ICU.
The five-day moving average of COVID-19 cases stands at 1,815.
While Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says there is now an "extremely high incidence" of the disease in the population.
"On average, we have reported 1,814 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per day for the last five days.
"Our 14-day incidence is now 526 per 100,000 population. This is an extremely high incidence of disease circulating in our communities."
Dr Holohan is urging people to continue to wear masks, amid a drop in reported usage.
"Mask wearing is a simple and effective way of breaking the chains of transmission.
"If you do are infected but do not have symptoms or have yet to develop symptoms, you can still spread the virus to others. Face masks help reduce this risk.
"By wearing a mask, you protect those around you.
"In January 2021, 94% of people reported wearing face masks in public places, and 93% in February and in March.
"As of this month, that figure has dropped to 84%.
"Please, continue to wear a mask in indoor settings like retail, on public transport and in restaurants and in crowded outdoor settings.
"This remains a simple but important measure that we all can take to prevent this virus spreading in our communities."
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, speaks during a COVID-19 press briefing. Picture by: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ieProfessor Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, says we should see a peak soon.
"Our modelling is telling us that we should soon reach the peak of the current wave of infections caused by the Delta variant.
"We have been living with COVID-19 restrictions for a significant period of time - it is now 542 days since we reported the first case of COVID-19 in Ireland.
"It is understandable that many of us are tired of the public health measures that we continue to advise.
"Unfortunately, this disease continues to evolve and the very best way we can protect ourselves and each other is to continue to do our very best to follow the public health advice.
"A high level of protection against the spread of disease is on the horizon once all of us who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine do so, and importantly, once we all complete the full dosing schedule.
"You will be fully protected seven to 14 days after your first dose."
People receiving critical care 'eligible for vaccine'
And Dr Cillian De Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, says: "About 60% of people with COVID-19 who are currently receiving critical care are people who are eligible to be vaccinated.
"This is a stark reminder to all of us to receive our COVID-19 vaccines as soon as we are eligible to do so.
"If you haven’t registered yet, please do and ensure you receive both doses of your vaccine.
"Continue to be vigilant and avoid large crowds were possible. If you are attending an event remember to keep your distance, wear a mask and if you do not feel safe then leave".
It comes as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says he expects all COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted this side of Christmas.
That would mean nightclubs could reopen and live events could resume.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is meeting on Wednesday to consider the advice it will present to Government next week.
Cabinet will then be asked to sign off on the next roadmap for re-opening, which is due to be published next week.
Minister Donnelly says the basic advice like mask-wearing and hand-washing will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future.
But he would like to see all other restrictions lifted as quickly as possible.
"Obviously, specific dates are something we would be looking to NPHET for and will be discussing at Cabinet but yes - certainly the view would be that we would be open this calendar year, yes" he said.
