The Department of Health has confirmed 20,110 new cases of Covid-19.
There are 682 people in hospital who have tested positive for the virus, a rise of 63 since yesterday. Of these, 86 are in ICU, down two.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, a record 7,215 positive cases of Covid-19 have been notified by the Department of Health with one further death.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Once again, we are reporting another very high number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. The number of people in hospital with [the disease] is continuing to increase.
“I know many people have cancelled or postponed planned social and family events, not just for New Year’s Eve, but right throughout the Christmas period.
“The occasions in life we most look forward to have been changed utterly by this pandemic. However, these collective efforts are necessary to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our health service.”
Dr Holohan said it was timely to remember frontline healthcare workers “who are now facing into a third year of pandemic response” and thank them for their efforts .
He also recalled those who have “sadly died with Covid-19 in Ireland since the beginning of this pandemic, along with their families and loved ones who are grieving their loss”.
He added that there were “many reasons for cautious optimism” in 2022.
