There have been 1,546 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Republic, according to the Department of Health.
Nine further deaths associated with the virus have also been reported in the past 24 hours.
The latest figures bring the total amount of cases here to 88,439, while the number of coronavirus-related deaths stands at 2,213.
The numbers are reflective of the denotification of one confirmed case and one confirmed death linked with the virus.
Of the latest cases, 66% are under 45 years of age, while the median age is 34 years old.
Regarding the nationwide distribution of cases, 444 are in Dublin, 203 in Cork, 111 in Louth, 87 in Limerick, 85 in Donegal and the remaining 616 cases are spread across all other counties.
757 are men and 788 are women.
As of 2pm today, 411 people are now receiving treatment in hospital for the virus after 47 new admissions in the past 24 hours.
Of those patients, 34 are in ICU, up from 30 yesterday.
The 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 of the population now stands at 245.6.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health said: "We have reached a significant milestone in our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, with the launch of our national vaccination programme.
"To see the first recipients of the vaccine gives us hope for better times ahead, particularly for those of us who are the most vulnerable to the virus, including those over 70 and with underlying medical conditions.
"The vaccination programme will focus on the priority groups in line with the recent decisions of Government in the first instance."
He added: “As the vaccination programme rolls out, particularly given the increasing spread of the disease and the concerning rise in the number of hospitalisations – up to 411 today – we each need to remember to remain vigilant to the ongoing risk of the spread of COVID-19 and follow the public health advice in our everyday lives."
Dr Holohan advised that following public health guidelines is our "only means to suppress the spread of the virus".
He stated that "you are protecting yourself and your family from this highly infectious virus every time you wash your hands, wear a face covering, keep a two metre distance, reduce your social contacts and stay at home if you feel unwell”.
Main image: Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health. Photo: PA
