There is increased Covid-19 activity in Ireland, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has said.
There were 502 cases seen in the week to 2 June, compared with 306 cases the previous week.
However, there were no ICU admissions and no deaths reported in the last week.
No new variant of concern has been identified and currently the predominant variant is the JN.1 strain.
The HPSC said that increased waves are usually seen every three to five months.
The last substantial waves of Covid-19 were seen in December 2023 and January 2024.
The HPSC said that spring and summer waves tend to be smaller than winter waves.
Several other European countries are also reporting increased activity.
The Director of National Health Protection Office said while the increase appears relatively modest, due to current testing protocols, the true scale is likely to be larger.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Dr Éamonn O'Moore there was no evidence yet as to whether a new variant is more dangerous than previous JN.1 variants, and at this time there had not been an increase in death rates or admissions to intensive care.
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"The message continues to be to take the offer of vaccines if you're in a group that’s offered them".
He added that the virus is constantly evolving, and trying to reproduce, so while this summer wave is not unexpected, it is important to keep track of.
The Health Service Executive no longer provides a service for people to book Covid-19 PCR tests, or order antigen tests, as test centres closed in March 2023.
However, a GP may ask a patient to have a test.
The HSE says that the spring Covid-19 booster is available until 14 June, aimed that those aged 80 years and older, people aged five years and older with a weak immune system and those living in a long term care facility for older adults.
The boosters are available from participating GPs and pharmacists.
