The Chief Medical Officer has warned that Covid-19 "is circulating widely in our community" after more than 3,700 cases were reported on Tuesday.
A further 3,726 cases of the virus were confirmed in Ireland this evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Department of Health says there are now 493 people in hospital, with 90 of those in ICU.
The 14-day incidence stands at 695 per 100,000, an increase of 18% on last week.
Dr Tony Holohan said that while transmission of the virus is widespread, we all have the "tools" to prevent the surge.
The CMO stated: "Covid-19 is circulating widely in our community; but we have the tools to limit its spread.
“We know that vaccination is very successful at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation and I urge anyone who still needs to get their Covid vaccine to do so.
"We also know that, even when vaccinated, we still need to practice basic public health interventions - washing our hands, opening windows, wearing masks and most importantly, staying home when we have symptoms. These simple measures are very successful at breaking the chains of transmission of this disease.
“As we practice all elements of the public health advice, we keep ourselves, and our communities safe.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has sought an extension of emergency Covid-19 legislation until February 9, 2022.
Legislation around the mandatory wearing of face masks, vaccine passes, enforcement powers and fixed penalty notices was due to expire next week.
But the Government is proposing to keep the rules in place until February 9, 2022.
Minister Donnelly pleaded with the Dáil for TDs to vote in favour of rolling over the legislation for another three months.
He added that the country has to be “concerned that things will deteriorate further.”
