Health officials have announced a further 4,141 COVID cases this evening.
This morning, there were 443 COVID patients in Irish hospitals – down 16.5% on this day last week and the lowest number reported in around two months.
There were 108 in ICU, which is seven fewer than last week.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed Omicron cases has been revised down from the 42 announced yesterday to 39 today.
The Department of Health said the revision was due to “further data validation”.
It comes after the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the Dáil that an estimated 27% of Ireland’s new cases are Omicron – a significant jump from last week’s 1% estimate.
He said he expects Omicron to be dominant in Ireland by next week.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is meeting again this evening to discuss whether any new restrictions should be introduced ahead of Christmas.
