Another worrying 2,427 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported today (Sat).
A total of 449 of these are in hospital with 93 people being treated in ICU, which is up three from yesterday.
The number in hospital from 353 two weeks ago to 406 today.
Chief Executive of the HSE has said that he anticipates one of the most difficult winters in many years.
Paul Reid said Covid is “putting severe pressure” on Ireland’s hospital system.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Saturday with Katie Hannon, Mr Reid said: “It’s a real challenge for us, particularly as we head into winter, this is going to be probably one of the most difficult winters we faced for many years, so it is difficult for us”.