The Department of Health has today reported 4,235 further cases of COVID-19.
As of 8am today, 470 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 105 are in ICU.
There has been a total of 5,835 deaths related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland. This includes 47 deaths newly notified since last Wednesday.
The Department of Health also confirmed 24 additional cases of the Omicron variant have been detected, bringing to 42 the total number of cases that have been identified following whole genome sequencing.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “Today marks ten days before Christmas. If you contract COVID-19 today your isolation period will include Christmas Day.
“This can be avoided by ensuring you take every step possible to protect yourself.
“If you are planning to spend Christmas with older family members, anyone immunocompromised or vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, it is best that you take precautions from today.
“Avoid crowds, limit your contacts, work from home unless absolutely necessary, risk assess your environments and make safe choices over the coming days and weeks.
“Everyone should be aware that Omicron spreads very easily and we have now identified community transmission in Ireland, to the extent that this variant accounts for approximately 13% of all reported cases.”
