Dr Tony Holohan has thanked the younger generation for their efforts in battling Covid-19 - but has pleaded with the public to follow what he says is the 'most important' piece of advice for Christmas.
Over 6,000 new cases of the virus were recorded in Ireland on Wednesday but there were positives to focus on with hospital numbers and ICU stats both falling.
The 14-day incidence rate of Covid per 100,000 of the population now stands at 1,346 as the country battles a surge in Omicron cases.
The variant is now dominant here, with around two-thirds of all infections now due to the latest strain.
Restrictions aimed at reducing transmission of the virus came into effect on Monday, with further measures not being ruled out in the new year.
But those restrictions are now being followed according to the CMO.
A statement from him read: “Our recent research has shown that many people have reviewed their plans for Christmas, reduced their social contacts and changed or postponed plans in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is a big sacrifice that many have made and will do much to protect all of us over the festive period.
"It is important that we remember that COVID-19 will still be circulating at a high level after Christmas and into the New Year, and even though it is a difficult message to hear, we must all continue to keep our social contacts low and do all we can to continue to adhere to the public health advice."
Dr Holohan also singled young people for "making a really big effort to act responsibly and to follow the public health advice and I would like to thank them for their significant efforts."
But he urged the public to follow one very important piece of public health advice.
“If you display any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, then self-isolate and arrange a PCR test as soon as you can. 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.”
