For the second day in a row, no new deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in the Republic.

As a result, the total number of COVID-related deaths remains 1,741.

Just four new cases of the virus have also been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases here to 25,531.

The total number of cases notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre over the last 14 days is 141. Of these, 55% were female and 45% were male. Overall, 66% of these cases were under the age of 45.

Twenty counties reported new cases, with the highest number of these in Dublin (41%), followed by Kildare (17%).

"Between mid-May to the end of June, 35% of those identified as a close contact of a confirmed case did not take up the offer of a test. Every case has the potential to turn into a cluster, which in turn has the potential to spread through a community. If you are identified as a close contact, please take up the offer of a test without delay," commented the Department of Health's acting chief medical officer, Dr Ronan Glynn.

Research conducted on behalf of the department, involving over 2,000 people, found that 74% think there will be a second wave of the virus. This figure has increased by 20% in the last month.

Some 41% of people think that the worst is behind us in relation to COVID-19, but 32% believe the worst is still to come.

"Vulnerable and older people rely on the actions of each and every one of us for their safety. If the virus begins to spread in our communities, these fellow-citizens will be most at risk. We should have no doubt by now that the decisions we make, which are in line with public health advice, will save lives," commented the HSE's chief clinical officer, Dr Colm Henry.

Phase 3 of the easing of COVID restrictions is now in place. For more on this, click here.