A further 2,051 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning there were 323 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – a 30% increase on this day last week.

There were 56 in intensive care – a 4% increase on the 54 recorded last week.

The five-day moving average is now 1,805.

The five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan warned that more than 70% of Ireland’s cases are in vaccinated or partially vaccinated people.

“While we have increasing levels of vaccination across the population, we continue to have significant concerns over the Delta variant and the increase in incidence of disease across a range of factors,” he said. “Unfortunately, this variant is still circulating widely.

“Over 70% of cases are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and we are seeing high incidence of COVID-19 in adults and teenagers aged 16-29.

“If you haven’t yet registered for your vaccine or have delayed receiving your second dose, please do so as soon as possible.

Over 70% of cases are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and we are seeing high incidence of #COVID19 in adults and teenagers aged 16-29. If you haven’t yet registered for your vaccine or have delayed receiving your second dose, please do so as soon as possible.

— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) August 25, 2021

“We know that vaccines work. They are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation.

“It is very important that we remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health measures that we are all so familiar with. This is especially important for anyone who is soon to return to school and college.

“Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands properly and often, maintain a social distance, manage your contacts and avoid crowds.”

There has been a total of 5,092 coronavirus-related deaths recorded in Ireland across the pandemic.