The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has now shot up to 27% of all new cases of the virus.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly told the Dail that the rise of the new variant was rapid.
“Last week the Omicron variant made up about 1% of all new cases in Ireland. By the weekend it was up to 5%
“On Tuesday, the rate reported was 14 per cent. Today, just two days later, I can confirm to the House that the Omicron variant now comprised over 27% of all new cases.”
It comes as Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe admitted there may be a need for new measures coming up to Christmas.
According to the Minister for Health, people in their 40s will begin to receive appointments for their booster shots next week.
This comes following comments by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Thursday that Omicron’s capacity to spread rapidly is causing “significant concern” among European Union nations, with the threat a key focus at today’s EU Council summit.
