More than 300 COVID-19 patients are now being treated in Irish hospitals.
Latest HSE figures show there were 314 confirmed cases of the virus in Irish hospitals on Sunday morning - a significant increase from 259 on Saturday.
It's the highest number of people in hospital since late March.
Data shows there were 64 new confirmed cases in Irish hospitals in the last 24 hours.
Detailed figures released last night showed Mayo and the Mater hospitals had the highest number of COVID-19 patients, with 21 each.
🆕Big jump in Covid patients in hospital tonight: the number now stands at 282, up 23 on this morning, and the highest in nearly five months (since March 31st). The Mater and Mayo hospitals have the most Covid patients. pic.twitter.com/fngaHqfofr
— Eoghan Murphy (@eoghanymurphy) August 21, 2021
Meanwhile, there were 59 patients with COVID-19 in ICU on Sunday - an increase of five compared to the previous day.
It comes after more than 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed yesterday.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the current level of virus transmission and hospital admissions is a "significant concern".
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, meanwhile, said Ireland has not yet reached the peak of the current Delta wave of the virus.
Health and Government officials are urging unvaccinated people to get a vaccine as soon as possible, with more walk-in vaccination clinics operating this weekend for both first and second doses.
