The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 4,607 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
As of 8am today, 579 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 115 are in ICU.
Meanwhile, 11 Covid-19 cases are currently being examined to determine if they are the Omicron variant, a spokesman for Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.
It is understood specific samples are undergoing whole genome sequencing and results won't be known for a few days.
Minister Donnelly has said "it is likely" that the new Covid variant is in Ireland and that "we will be identifying cases here in the coming days".
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has indicated she expects Cabinet to agree on NPHET’s advice in which they have said children should avoid indoor activities like nativity plays, sleepovers, birthday parties and playdates.
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