The Chief Medical Officer has clarified the rules for anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 in the next few days.
As of 8am on Thursday morning, 390 people are in hospital with the virus, 98 of whom are in the intensive care unit.
But the dangerous Omicron variant is continuing to spread in Ireland - with health officials noting that over two thirds of daily cases were as a result of it.
Dr Holohan said: “With Omicron now accounting for almost three quarters of cases in Ireland, today’s high number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is not unexpected, and we expect to see a rapid increase in case figures over the coming short period of time.
"It is imperative that all of us, to the greatest extent possible, make every effort we can in the next two to three weeks to only meet with members of our own households.
"Consider you plans over the Christmas period and into the early part of the New Year and try to keep your contacts as low as possible."
Dr Holohan also clarified the situation for anyone who tests positive on either an antigen or PCR test in the next few days.
Antigen/PCR test isolation rules.
He said: "If someone in the household receives a “detected” or “positive” test result either via a PCR test or an antigen test, then all members of the household should restrict their movements and not attend work or socialise with others.
"Even though we recognise that it is very difficult at this time of year to stay away from loved ones, it is really important that anyone who receives confirmation of a confirmed COVID-19 infection self-isolate for ten days.
Close contacts
"If you are identified as a close contact and have received a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, then you should restrict your movements for five days. If you have not yet been boosted, you should restrict your movements for ten days.
"If you are yet to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, then you should take every measure you can to protect yourself until you are eligible to receive it.
"This includes avoiding risky environments and keeping your contacts as low as possible. All of the available evidence indicates that a booster vaccine will offer good protection against infection with the Omicron variant.
Overseas traverllers.
"If you have recently arrived in Ireland from overseas, then you are advised to take an antigen test for the five days following your arrival into Ireland.
If you have COVID symptoms
"If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, then you must self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test."
