Public health officials have confirmed 5,124 new Covid-19 cases and shared a worrying statistic about the Omicron variant.
They estimate that around 52% of reported cases are now due to the Omicran strain of Covid-19.
A spokesperson 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 52% of reported cases are now due to the Omicron variant.”
It comes as 436 patients are in hospital with Covid-19, of which 107 are in ICU.
The Chief Medical Officer has revealed his concern about the spread of Omicron.
Dr Tony Holohan said: “It has taken less than two weeks for Omicron to become the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Ireland, revealing just how transmissible this variant is.”
He appealed for the public to “flatten the curve” of this wave.
“We have slowed transmission of this disease in the past using our basic measures and responding immediately if symptomatic – it is extremely important we do everything we can to flatten the curve of this wave now to prevent unnecessary deaths, risk to the vulnerable and to protect our health service.
“If the majority of us can now reduce our social contact, meet others outdoors, work from home unless absolutely necessary, ensure the appropriate use of face masks, avoid crowds and keep indoors well ventilated.
“Very importantly if you have any COVID-19 symptoms self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test, if you are a close contact of a confirmed case please restrict your movements.”
The CMO also appealed for anyone eligible to get a booster vaccine.
“I urge anyone eligible for a booster to avai of it at the earliest opportunity,” he added.
It comes after huge queues and wait times of up to four hours were reported at some Covid-19 vaccination centres on Sunday morning.
Sunday saw Ireland open its booster programme to people aged over 40.
The HSE confirmed around 900 people were in the queue at the walk-in clinic at the National Show Centre in Swords, Dublin just half an hour after it opened at 8.15am - before saying it was at capacity and would not be accepting any more walk-ins at 10am.
The car park at Citywest in Dublin had to be shut around an hour after opening as it also hit capacity.
Wait times of up to four hours were reported at the Simonstown vaccination centre in Navan, Meath at 9.30am, while the HSE said people were queuing for up to three hours at Shoreline vaccination centre in Greystones, Wicklow at 9.20am.
People aged between 40 and 49 are able to get a booster Covid-19 vaccination from Sunday at walk-in clinics or by appointment.
