Health officials have announced a further 4,688 confirmed COVID cases this evening.
The total includes eight new Omicron cases, taking the total number of cases of the new variant in Ireland to 18.
This morning, there were 518 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals – 18 fewer than this day last week.
There were 108 in intensive care, which is two fewer than last week.
It comes as the Government prepares unveil a plan to 'really accelerate' the booster campaign – with the HSE aiming to be able to administer 300,000 jabs a week.The plan is due to be signed off on in the coming days and will include details of when the over-50s can get their booster.
The announcement will also include a plan for vaccinating children aged five to 11-years-old.
Earlier, Immunology Professor Paul Moynagh warned that the perceived race between Omicron and the booster rollout will 'go on for some time'.
He said there is now “a lot of urgency” attached to rolling out the booster programme as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, the Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said next year must be the year we learn to live alongside COVID.
“It has to be about a longer-term strategy as to how you safely live – with an emphasis on the word live,” he said. “People have to be able to live their lives with the virus.”
