The country’s chief medical officer has described the steadily growing number of infections as a “cause of concern”.
As of 8am this morning, there were 50 patients hospitalised with the disease, with 15 in intensive care.
CMO Dr Tony Holohan urged those who are not yet vaccinated to “hold firm to the public health advice”.
“Today we are reporting over 600 confirmed cases of Covid-19 for the first time since late April. This is a cause of concern and shows that this disease is prevalent in our communities again,” he said.
“We know there is worry and frustration out there, particularly for young people who have had significant parts of their lives put on hold by this disease.
“We ask if you are not yet vaccinated, to hold firm to the public health advice as you await your vaccine. Please continue to manage your contacts, meet outdoors and avoid crowds.”
Dr Holohan urged anyone experiencing symptoms of the disease to isolate and seek a free PCR test as soon as possible.
“If you are not yet fully vaccinated and a close contact of a person that has tested positive for Covid-19, you also need to isolate and get a free PCR test,” he added.
In Northern Ireland on Friday, a further 605 positive cases of Covid-19 were reported. There were 60 Covid-positive inpatients in hospital in the region as of this morning, one of whom was in intensive care.