581 new cases of the virus reported last night.
The Taoiseach says the Delta variant of Covid-19 is an ongoing concern and will be a 'slow-burner'.
He told his parliamentary party last night testing and tracing will be increased to try to address the highly transmissible strain.
The highest number of Covid cases in 76 days were reported yesterday, with 581 new infections.
Delta variant 'will be a slow burner', warns Taoiseach https://t.co/k5lZ2MpHVf
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) July 8, 2021
Professor Emer Shelley, from the Royal College of Physicians, says we're at the start of the fourth wave.
Professor says the upward trend will continue, for several reasons.
The world's Covid-19 death toll has passed 4 million, according to the World Health Organisation.
Director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says we are at a 'perilous point' in the pandemic.

Government Transport Costs Top €8 Million Over Past Year
Record Crowds Take Part In 2026 VHI Women's Mini Marathon
Hallgrimsson Against Israel Boycott As Nations League Debate Continues
Significant DART Closures Expected This Weekend
People Urged To Use A Meat Thermometer For Barbecue Meats As Bank Holiday Approaches
Yuno Energy Increasing Electricity And Gas Prices
Stab Wounds Discovered On Woman Who Was Found Dead In Galway Yesterday
Homelessness Figures In Kildare Drop Slightly In Month Of April