4,791 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today as hospital numbers dropped by 35.
As of 8 am this morning, there are 536 patients being treated with Covid-19 in the nation's hospitals, with the figure down from 571 at the same time on Friday morning.
There were 65 discharges during those 24 hours, while the number being treated in intensive care units stands at 118.
It comes after Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan warned that Ireland remains in a 'vulnerable' position among worries around the new Omicron variant as the first European case of the variant, which originated in South Africa, was reported in Europe.
It seems the concern around its potential arrival here is causing major stress for health officials with Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, saying he was “deeply concerned” about the news on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, Paschal Donohoe said there is a strong possibility that Cabinet will opt to bring in new restrictions amid fears that the Irish health system would not cope with the pressure of a new and highly infectious strain.
The Finance Minister said that the Government will take on board all up to date NPHET advice but warned that the public should expect further measures to be brought in.
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