Ireland has recorded 539 new cases of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, 14 further people have tragically lost their lives after battling the deadly virus.
It brings the death toll to 4,419, while the total number of cases diagnosed here now stands at 222,699.
Of the latest cases, 295 were men and 240 were women, while the average age of those infected was 33.
Dublin had the highest number of new cases at 245, followed by Meath (42), Kildare (29), Limerick (26) and Cork (24).
As of 8am on Saturday morning, there were 414 Covid patients in hospital, 101 of which were in intensive care units.
The latest figures were released in a statement by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Saturday evening.
The news comes hours after Taoiseach Micheal Martin revealed that Ireland is expected to reach the milestone of giving out half a million jabs over the weekend.
Speaking in a video posted on Twitter, Mr Martin said he was inspired by recent visits to vaccination centres where thousands of front line healthcare workers are receiving the inoculation.
He said government and the HSE is doing everything it can to secure supplies and to give those vaccines to people as quickly as possible.
"Over the coming days we will have administered half a million doses since the first vaccination was given to Dubliner Annie Lynch 63 days ago," he said.
"Next week we will begin to vaccinate those with underlying health conditions as well as continuing to vaccinate the over-70s and healthcare workers."
The Taoiseach said the vaccines are reducing the impact of the virus.
"This can be seen in the reduced levels of infection in our nursing homes and amongst our frontline healthcare workers," he said.
"This brings hope, along with the continued fall in Covid numbers thanks to the sacrifices you have been making.
"The 14-day incidence level fell below 200 this week for the first time since Christmas.
"While our health services are still under pressure, the number of patients in our hospitals and ICUs is reducing significantly."
