Some 40% of all COVID-19 cases in the last two months have occurred in people aged between 15 and 34, despite the fact that this age group only accounts for 25% of the population, the acting chief medical officer has said.

According to Dr Ronan Glynn, these figures are "not surprising", as people in this age group "are more likely to be moving about in the community, going to school, higher education or work, and keeping our economy and key services going".

However, he appealed to young adults to "stick with this and continue to follow public health advice".

"For teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s in particular, I know that what has been, and is being asked of you again, is extraordinary. This pandemic has impacted on your education, your employment, your relationships and your social lives.

"The vast majority have done the right thing, have heeded public health advice and kept themselves and their families safe. But the disease is continuing to spread disproportionately among younger people at present," Dr Glynn said.

He called on young people to be a role model for others.

"Limit the number of people you meet, maintain two metres physical distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands well and often. Together, every safe behaviour counts," he added.

A further 334 cases of the virus were confirmed on Tuesday evening, bringing the total number of cases here to 33,444. No new deaths were reported, leaving the death rate at 1,792.

Of the 334 new cases, 174 were in Dublin, 34 in Cork, 30 in Kildare and 18 in Donegal. Almost three-quarters of these cases had occurred in people under the age of 45.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, there were 90 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in hospitals, with 16 of these in ICU.

For more information on the Government's five-level plan, including the restrictions that apply to your county, click here.