The Department of Health has confirmed 10,404 new cases of Covid-19.
There are 426 people in hospital who have tested positive for the virus, a rise of 48 since yesterday. Of these, 91 are in ICU, up four.
It comes as the Chief Medical Officer has reiterated his call for people to continue to reduce their social contacts and avoid crowded places as the Omicron variant continues to spread.
Dr Tony Holohan's remarks follow a record number of 13,765 new cases of Covid-19 were reported yesterday by the Department of Health.
The department estimates that 83% of cases are now attributable to the Omicron variant.
Dr Holohan said: "We know that this variant is more transmissible than even the highly transmissible Delta variant. As such, please do not socialise or meet indoors with people from other households.
"Avoid crowded places including retail environments.
"Choose to shop online where possible, queue outside and leave any retail environment that does not feel safe and that is not adhering to the public health guidance – implementing social distancing measures and queuing system, limiting numbers instore and staff wearing masks correctly (covering nose, mouth and chin)".
He urged people to take every measure to protect themselves, including receiving a booster vaccine once eligible to do so.
"All of the available evidence indicates that a booster vaccine will offer good protection against infection with the Omicron variant", Dr Holohan said as he urged those who had travelled to Ireland from overseas to take an antigen test every day for five days.
Meanwhile, Covid-19 vaccination clinics around the country are closed for St Stephen’s Day.
However, PCR testing continues to be offered this weekend although there is a slightly reduced level of service.
Vaccination centres will resume service on Monday 27 December.
