There have been a further 1,789 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ireland today.
It brings the five-day moving average of new cases to 1,633.
20 further COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in the last week.
Figures released earlier today show there were 360 patients with COVID-19 in Irish hospitals.
Of those patients, 56 were in intensive care.
The latest letter from Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan to the Government indicated Ireland could be facing at least 2,500 cases a day by mid-September.
In the most likely scenario, the country would see cases numbers of between 3,000 and 5,000 cases per day with 750 patients in hospital.
Dr Holohan said there is still significant uncertainty over what may happen, and noted that Ireland’s hospital system remains in a fragile position as we prepare to ease restrictions.
He said it's inevitable more COVID variants will emerge, but that vaccines are likely to provide significant protection.
Nonetheless, he said mask-wearing will need to continue in certain settings until at least next spring.
