The Chief Medical Officer has appealed to young people across Ireland to make "sacrifices" when it comes to reducing socialising this Christmas.
Dr Tony Holohan singled out young adults as he urged this cohort to decrease their contacts over the festive season.
He also issued an update on the Omicron variant, which he says now account for around two-thirds of all confirmed cases in Ireland.
This growth in prevalence to 66% of all cases marks an increase on figures released a few days ago which showed that 52% of cases were due to Omicron.
Dr Holohan said that the incidence of the virus is rising in the young adult population as he asked for families and friends to encourage people in this group to reduce their contacts.
“I know that this is not an easy task for any of us and it can feel very unfair that we continue to ask so much of our young people, particularly at this special time of year," he said on Tuesday.
“This group have made significant sacrifices in order to protect loved ones and I would like to thank them for that. It is important now that we continue to encourage and support each other to make sacrifices, take responsible actions and continue to follow the public health advice.
“This week, try and only meet with the people with whom you will spend Christmas Day. Keep your contacts as low as possible in order to protect those around you."
The CMO also issued an appeal for people to avail of their Covid vaccine if they have not already done so.
He said: “As we roll out the booster programme, it is important to remember that approximately one in six young adults are yet to come forward for vaccination or are not fully vaccinated. Vaccination offers very good protection against severe illness, so it is important that everyone who is eligible for a vaccine comes forward for one.
“If you display any symptoms of Covid-19 then you must self-isolate straight away and arrange a test. This is the single most important piece of basic public health advice. Do not meet up with others and put them at risk of Covid-19 or another respiratory infection. Do not rely on a negative antigen test as a basis for not isolating.
“Omicron now accounts for about two thirds of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
"Public health teams are reporting a higher level of infection among household close contacts as a result of Omicron infection.
"If there is one positive test, whether from a PCR or an antigen test, within a group such as a household then there is a significant chance that others are already infected, even if not yet testing positive. If one person from a household tests positive prior to an event or gathering, then none should attend.”
His comments came on a record day for the rollout of Covid vaccines in Ireland on Tuesday.
The CEO of the HSE Paul Reid said on Wednesday morning: "Another record day in the vaccination & booster programme yesterday. 108,000 vaccines in total administered in one day (103,000 boosters).
"That's 186,000 vaccines administered in just 2 days. 1.77M boosters & 3rd doses done. Thanks to all who are vaccinating and the public."
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