The Department of Health has been notified of 2,549 new cases of COVID-19.
As of 8am today, 481 Covid-19 patients are in hospital, with 97 patients currently in ICU, a decrease of two from Thursday.
Following the high number of cases reported, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan appealed to the public to follow public health advice.
He said: "Today we are reporting a high number of cases across the entire population, with the highest incidence amongst 5-12 year olds.
"While the Covid-19 vaccines give high protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death, the way to break transmission is by following all aspects of the public health advice."
Dr Holohan said that children could enjoy celebrating Halloween over the weekend but warned that some precautions should be taken.
He said: "This weekend, you can enjoy your favourite Halloween activities safely by taking some simple precautions:
"If you are having visitors over, provide hand sanitizer, open windows and try to ensure people can spread out and keep their distance from one another – avoid crowded parties.
"For trick-or-treaters, give out treats outdoors if possible. Wash or sanitize hands frequently, and before eating or handling treats.
"Neither children nor adults should go trick-or-treating or meet up with others if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if symptoms are minor – instead, please isolate and get a test."
The news comes after Taoiseach Michael Martin confirmed there would be no return of contact tracing to schools as the government do not want children missing school days unnecessarily.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said if there were to be a change in policy, it would more likely result in more testing and not in contact tracing.
Mr Varadkar aimed to ease parents' concerns as he insisted schools would reopen next week after the midterm break and said they will be safe.
Speaking to reporters in Monaghan, he said the recent spike in Covid cases among 5-12-year-olds was not surprising given that children have not yet been vaccinated.
