Cases of COVID-19 are rising in all age groups and across all counties, according to the deputy chief medical officer.
Dr Ronan Glynn says there has also been a four-fold increase in COVID hospitalisations and ICU admissions over the past six weeks.
He said the vaccine programme is having a "very positive impact" on the number of infected people who end up in hospital or ICU.
However, he said the current high incidence rate will still see a "significant number of people getting very sick".
In early July, less than one person was being admitted to ICU with #COVID19 on average per day; over the past week we have seen 4 admissions to ICU per day.
👇👇ℹ️🦠pic.twitter.com/PGnRT1JdfC— Dr Ronan Glynn (@ronan_glynn) August 13, 2021
It comes after 1,978 cases were confirmed yesterday - the highest daily figure in nearly seven months.
The five-day moving average stands at 1,748, after a 26% increase in the past week.
Latest figures show there are 221 people with COVID-19 in Irish hospitals, including 43 in ICU.
Dr Glynn is urging people not to become complacent because of the pace of the vaccination programme.
He said: "We've reported over 10,000 cases in the last week alone.
"While we have very high incidence across Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo, Galway, Louth and Cavan in particular, incidence is rising across all 26 counties.
"While incidence is particularly high in those aged 16-29 years, incidence is now rising across all age groups."
He stressed: "Vaccines work, but they must also be supported by all of us continuing to follow the public health advice to keep each other safe and break the chains of transmission of COVID-19.
"If you plan to socialise this weekend, risk assess your plans. Try to meet up in small groups, meet outdoors and avoid crowds if possible.
"Wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts and maintain your social distance. If you are in an environment that feels unsafe then leave."
Meanwhile, vaccination centres across the country will be vaccinating children aged 12-to-15 today.
Over 71,000 have registered since the portal opened for the age group on Wednesday.
Their vaccine appointments started yesterday and will continue throughout the weekend in most clinics.
It's hoped all teenagers in the age group who choose to get a COVID-19 vaccine will be fully vaccinated by early October.
