Ireland recorded another 269 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday.
Tragically, six more people lost their lives after battling the deadly virus.
The latest figures were released in a statement by the National Public Health Emergency Team this evening.
The death toll here now stands at 2,033, while the total number of cases has jumped to 71,187.
Of those diagnosed in the past 24 hours, 146 are women and 123 are men, while 64% were under the age of 35.
The average age of those infected during the same period was 35.
Dublin, which has seen encouraging signs in recent days, had the highest number of new cases at 88.
This was followed by Cork (42), Limerick (25), Louth (20) and Donegal (16).
The rest of the 78 cases were spread across 17 other counties.
The news comes amid ongoing talks about what restrictions will be lifted next week, with Level Five due to end on December 1.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said that the Government will ease measures for the two weeks over Christmas, but warned that it will be a phased reopen of the country.
He explained that gyms, retail outlets, hairdressers, barbers and personal services will be among the first to reopen.
It is likely that the return of the hospitality industry, excluding so-called "wet pubs", will happen later in the month. However, Mr Varadkar did say there is a chance of such businesses opening sooner.
The 5km travel limit is another restriction that looks set to be lifted on December 1.
Officials are also understood to be planning for up to three households to be allowed to gather together over the festive season.
NPHET is meeting today to offer its final recommendation to Government before the big Christmas decision is made.
Dr Tony Holohan and the other members of the team including Dr Ronan Glynn and Professor Philip Nolan will discuss the current Covid status in Ireland throughout Wednesday.
For more details, follow our dedicated Covid-19 LIVE BLOG.
