Health officials have this afternoon reported a further 1,903 cases of COVID-19 in the State.
As of 8am today, 219 people who have tested positive for the virus are in hospitals across the Republic, of whom 37 are in ICU.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccines are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation.
“This protection against severe disease holds up even in the context of the Delta variant,” said the CMO.
“Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population.
“The COVID-19 vaccination programme has shown not only the best of scientific and medical endeavour, but also commendable solidarity by those who have come forward to receive a vaccine for the good of themselves and their wider community.”
