Ireland is likely to be facing at least 2,500 cases a day by mid-September.

In his latest letter to the Government, the Chief Medical Officer 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.

In an optimistic scenario, Dr Tony Holohan said the country will be dealing with between 2,500 and 3,00o cases per day.

He said that would see around 700 patients in hospital and 130 in intensive care.

In the most pessimistic scenario, the country could be dealing with as many as 12,500 cases a day by the middle of next month.

In the middling or most likely scenario, the country will see highs of between 3,000 and 5,000 cases per day with 750 patients in hospital.

That would see between 150 and 250 coronavirus patients in intensive care.

Dr Holohan said the emergence of new variants is inevitable over the coming months – but noted that the vaccine rollout is likely to provide significant protection.

He noted that mask-wearing in certain settings will be needed until at least next spring.