There have been 11,182 further cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland today by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Department of Health says there are now 393 people in hospital, of which 89 are in ICU.
The number of patients in ICU marks the lowest figure since November 10.
It is estimated that around 83% of reported cases in Ireland are now due to the Omicron variant.
The Department said: "Possible Omicron cases can be identified by the number of PCR results with ‘S gene target failure’.
"Using this methodology, we estimate that approximately 83% of reported cases are now due to the Omicron variant.
"In anticipation of large volumes of case numbers over the coming period the daily case number announced will be based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional.
"@hpscireland and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.
It comes as Dr Ronan Glynn, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, issued a "difficult" message to the public as he listed five things people can do to avoid contracting or transmitting Covid over the festive season.
He said in a thread on Twitter: "Incidence of #COVID19 is now increasing across all age groups. Here are 5 things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones as safe as possible.
"1. If you have even mild symptoms of a cold or flu then isolate and stay away from others.
"2. If someone in your household has a positive antigen or PCR test, everyone should restrict movements - do not meet up with others.
"3. Anyone who has arrived from overseas should do daily antigen tests for 5 days. If a test detects virus or if they develop any symptoms (regardless of a test result) they should isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
"4. Given the level of virus now circulating, you should assume that you or those you meet are potentially infectious. Therefore, avoid crowds or poorly ventilated spaces, wear a mask, keep distance and keep your bubble as small as possible.
"5. Be especially careful if meeting older or vulnerable people. If you have met with lots of people this week, do not put others at risk. This is a difficult message at this time but is important if we are to keep each other safe."
