Another 3,887 new cases of Covid have been confirmed.
And the Chief Medical Officer saying results show that around 14% of cases are due to the Omicron variant.
Dr Tony Holohan said “We can expect this proportion to rise rapidly over the coming days”.
There are 493 people in hospital with 109 of these receiving treatment in intensive care units.
Dr Holohan added: “As we move closer to Christmas, we must try to reduce the number of people we meet, avoid crowds and work from home unless it is essential to attend in person.”
He also encouraged “anyone eligible for a booster vaccination to take that opportunity.”
The leaders of the three Government parties will meet Dr Holohan this evening for an update on the Omicron variant in what is being described as a “routine briefing”.
