New measures will come into effect on Monday as the country struggles to stem the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.
The Department of Health reported a further 5,124 new cases on Sunday, with 436 patients being treated in hospital, 107 of whom are in ICU.
As cases continue to rise, experts have urged people to look out for one distinctive new symptom that has been linked to the Omicron variant.
The new symptom appears in those infected with the virus while they are sleeping.
Dr Amir Khan said doctors from South Africa, where the variant was first detected, have discovered that patients with Omicron suffer from night sweats while they sleep, according to Wales Online.
Speaking to ITV's Lorraine, Dr Khan explained patients have also experienced symptoms such as body aches and pains, fatigue, fever and a dry cough.
Dr Khan said: "The symptoms that are coming out of South Africa by the doctors that are looking after patients with Omicron show these five new symptoms.
"A scratchy throat, mild muscle aches, extreme tiredness, a dry cough and night sweats. Those kind of drenching night sweats where you might have to get up and change your clothes.
"And this is important. It’s important we keep on top of these symptoms because if we’re going to keep track of Omicron here and worldwide, we need to be able to test people with these symptoms."
However, Dr Khan also confirmed that those who are fully vaccinated experience milder symptoms.
The news comes after experts revealed that around 52% of reported cases in Ireland are now due to the Omicron strain.
A spokesperson said: “Possible Omicron cases can be identified by the number of PCR results with ‘S gene target failure.’
“Using this methodology, we estimate that approximately 52% of reported cases are now due to the Omicron variant.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Holohan has also said he is concerned about the spread of the variant.
He said: “It has taken less than two weeks for Omicron to become the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Ireland, revealing just how transmissible this variant is.”
He appealed for the public to “flatten the curve” of this wave.
“We have slowed transmission of this disease in the past using our basic measures and responding immediately if symptomatic – it is extremely important we do everything we can to flatten the curve of this wave now to prevent unnecessary deaths, risk to the vulnerable and to protect our health.
“Very importantly, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test. If you are a close contact of a confirmed case, please restrict your movements.”
