The Omicron strain of Covid 19 is now the dominant one in Ireland, according to new figures from the Department of Health.
5,124 new cases were reported today, with 52 percent now estimated to be the Omicron variant.
436 patients are being treated in hospitals - up 26 on yesterday's figures.
107 are currently being treated in ICU.
Meanwhile, there was disappointment earlier today as several vaccine centres had to close their walk-in booster clinics.
There are queues in many Vaccination Centres. But we're aiming to accelerate as many people boosted as we can. 290,000 vaccines done in 6 days. 92% of 12 y/o & over now have had D2, 94% of 18+. 1.5M boosters & 3rd Doses done. Every single booster counts for protection. @HSELive
— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) December 19, 2021
Some 23 centres offered boosters to people aged 40 to 49 for the first time today.
The National Show Centre in North Dublin began turning walk-ins away just 15 minutes after opening.
