A further 5,124 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by health officials this afternoon.
As of 8am today, 436 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised nationally, of whom 107 are in intensive care units.
The Department of Health says that estimates suggest that approximately 52% of reported cases are now due to the Omicron variant.
Dr Tony Holohan said it has taken less than two weeks for Omicron to become the dominant strain of COVID-19 here, revealing just how transmissible this variant is.
“We have slowed transmission of this disease in the past using our basic measures and responding immediately if symptomatic – it is extremely important we do everything we can to flatten the curve of this wave now to prevent unnecessary deaths, risk to the vulnerable and to protect our health service,” said Dr Tony Holohan.
“I urge anyone eligible for a booster to avail of it at the earliest opportunity.”
