There have been 1,818 further confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Latest available figures show 244 patients are hospitalised with the virus - of which 52 are in ICU.
The five-day moving average of cases has dropped further to 1,698.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says the virus is now 'widely circulating'.
He appealed to people to be on their guard, especially when meeting others.
"We are experiencing a rapid rise in the incidence of the disease across the country, with 12,348 cases reported in the last seven days.
"This means that the virus is now circulating widely in our communities.
“While the vaccine programme continues, we need to allow time for the levels of immunity in the community to increase.
"The Delta variant spreads through close contact with others.
"Where possible, please continue to work from home and remember that small group meet ups in outdoor or well-ventilated indoor spaces are safer for everyone.
He adds: "Follow the public health advice and take the opportunity to be vaccinated with all recommended doses - these are our safeguards against the spread of the virus.
"The risk of outbreaks in group settings - such as in workplaces or at social gatherings - can be minimised through strong adherence to social distancing, avoiding crowds, mask wearing and good hand hygiene.
"If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, please ensure to self-isolate immediately and get a free test through the HSE as soon as possible."
84% of adult population fully vaccinated
While the head of the HSE, Paul Reid, says walk-in vaccination centres will continue in some 'high case' areas.
He told The Hard Shoulder: "We have a number of walk-in clinics continuing throughout this weekend and into next week, and I would encourage - for over 16s - and some of those we're prioitising around areas where we're seeing high case levels of the virus".
And he says vaccine numbers are continuing to rise, with 84% of the adult population now fully inoculated.
"We are now at 6.5 million vaccines administered in total - so that equates to just about 84% of the adult population now fully vaccinated - and 90% partially vaccinated.
"So we're continuously chipping away and closing that gap.
"Very positively continuing down through the ages, with progress on uptakes between 16 to 17s.
"Since last week also on the 12 to 15-year-olds... we've approximately 125,000 of 12 to 15-year-olds registered for the vaccine.
"And about 75,000 have had administration already of the vaccine".
