Another 6,307 new Covid cases have been confirmed today.
429 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 100 are in ICU.
A further 55 Covid-related deaths were reported in the past week. There has now been a total of 5,890 deaths related to Covid-19 in Ireland.
Letterkenny University Hospital recorded 18 patients with Covid-19 onsite last night. One patient with Covid-19 was receiving treatment in intensive care.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said:
“Our recent research has shown that many people have reviewed their plans for Christmas, reduced their social contacts and changed or postponed plans in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is a big sacrifice that many have made and will do much to protect all of us over the festive period.
“It is important that we remember that COVID-19 will still be circulating at a high level after Christmas and into the New Year, and even though it is a difficult message to hear, we must all continue to keep our social contacts low and do all we can to continue to adhere to the public health advice.