There have been 2,966 further cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland this afternoon by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Department of Health says there are now 470 people in hospital, with 92 of those in ICU.
It comes as the CEO of the HSE said the impact of Covid is "hitting hard" on Ireland's hospital system.
Paul Reid said health workers are facing "unrelenting and increasing demands" as the number of coronavirus-related hospitalisations continue to stay high.
He said on Twitter: "#COVID19 impacts are hitting hard with unrelenting and increasing demands on staff in Hospitals, ICUs, A&E Departments, testing, vaccinations. We're striving to meet all.
"A massive effort by all of us on the public health measures is needed to relieve this and turn it around."
Following the high number of cases reported this week, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan appealed to the public to follow public health advice.
He said on Friday that a high number of cases have been recorded across the entire population, with the highest incidence amongst 5 to 12-year-olds.
"While the Covid-19 vaccines give high protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death, the way to break transmission is by following all aspects of the public health advice," Dr Holohan said.
He outlined that children could enjoy celebrating Halloween over the weekend but warned that some precautions should be taken.
