LATEST: Omicron accounts for over half of 5,124 new cases of virus

A further 5,124 people have contracted Covid-19, the Department of Health confirmed today.

There are now 436 Covid patients being treated in hospital, a rise of 26 from yesterday, with 107 of these  in ICU.

The department said that it is estimated that 52% of reported cases are now due to the Omicron variant.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people are reported to be queuing at vaccine centres around the country on the first day over-40s are eligible for a booster.

The Health Service Executive has said there is a waiting time of three hours at Citywest, where there are reports of significant tailbacks on the N7.