The rising number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic continues to be a "strong concern" according to HSE CEO Paul Reid.
Speaking at the weekly HSE briefing, Mr Reid added that the number of patients being treated for Covid-19 in Irish hospitals currently cannot be compared to the numbers during the first wave of the virus as other non-Covid services were not operating during the first wave, while these services have now largely resumed.
As of yesterday evening, 157 people have been hospitalised due to the virus, with 27 of these being treated in Intensive Care Units.
Mr Reid said: "ICU increase shouldn't be the ultimate measure of success," but added that increases in ICU capacity will be provided where needed.
He reiterated the HSE's concern regarding the increasing number of hospitalisations, saying that Every single hospitalised case of Covid has a significant impact on wider healthcare services.
Mr Reid said the healthcare system is currently challenged but not yet overwhelmed.
Commenting on criticism faced by the HSE for not adequately preparing for a second wave of the virus in Ireland, Mr Reid said these remarks were "ill-informed and inaccurate".
To date, 1.2 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the Republic since the onset of the pandemic, with 90,000 tests carried out last week. In addition, over 18,000 calls have been made by the tracing system.
There are 287 schools where Covid testing has been completed or is on-going, involving 6,741 staff and students, with a positivity rate of 1.8 per cent. In nursing homes, over 200,000 tests have been completed, with a positivity rate of 0.32 per cent.
