There have been 1,545 further cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland this evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Department of Health says there are now 335 people in hospital, with 56 of those in ICU.
The figures mark a decrease on Monday's hospital numbers when 367 patients were being treated for the virus, of which 59 were in ICU.
Health officials also gave an update on the number of deaths relating to coronavirus that have been notified in Ireland so far.
There has been a total of 5,155 deaths associated with the virus to date, which includes 43 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday.
It comes as the HSE has suspended the majority of walk-in Covid testing centres due to a surge in demand.
Over the past 48 hours, walk-in centres had dealt with a major 35% hike in the number of people looking to be tested for the virus, and have now asked the public to return to booking their slot online.
A spokesperson explained that online referrals are open to reduce the queues and that there is now a capacity to do 20,000 tests a day.
“We expect anyone who wishes to get tested can get a test the same day, depending on what time they book,” they said.
“To reduce queues we would like people to book an online appointment rather than walk up.
“Some walk-ins will be accepted but people should book online to speed up the process at the centres.
“This action is not aimed at reducing demand as we have 20k plus capacity. It’s designed to reduce queues from walk-ins,” the spokesperson said.
People who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic have been asked by the HSE not to attend for testing unless instructed to do so.
Some walk-ins will still be accepted but people are asked to book online before showing up at walk-in testing centres.
