The head of the HSE says the sharp rise in covid-19 hospital patients is extremely concerning.
491 people are now in hospital with the virus, which is around twice as many compared to the figures recorded last week.
1,718 new covid-19 cases were reported yesterday, and HSE CEO Paul Reid says there is a "strong likelihood" that number could double over the next few days.
New Year
HSE CEO Paul Reid says the rate of transmission has been on the rise over the Christmas period:
"The growth level that it's at means we all need to retract from any plans that we had, any New Year's Eve plans in particular, that we had.
"When you're out you're at risk, it's as simple as that.
"When you're mixing you're at higher risk, if you're mixing with people outside of your home you're at extreme risk.
"And if you're mixing with a number of people indoors you're at high risk again".
"We are seeing, over the last few days in particular, increasing numbers of people who would need what we call advance respiratory supports."
