LATEST: Holohan warns about household gatherings as Omicron now accounts for two thirds of infections

A further 5,279 people have tested positive for Covid-19, the Department of Health confirmed this evening .

There are now 443 people in hospital who have tested positive for the virus, down 24 since yesterday. Of these 102 are in ICU, a reduction of two.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the Omicron variant now accounts for “about two thirds” of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

Dr Holohan said: “Public health teams are reporting a higher level of infection among household close contacts as a result of Omicron infection.

“If there is one positive test, whether from a PCR or an antigen test, within a group such as a household then there is a significant chance that others are already infected, even if not yet testing positive.

“If one person from a household tests positive prior to an event or gathering, then none should attend.”