According to figures released by the Department of Health.
New figures from the Department of Health show the Omicron strain of Covid 19 is now the dominant one in Ireland.
Image via pixabay.com52 percent of cases are now estimated to be Omicron, meaning it has taken less than two weeks to take hold.
Figures
5,124 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported today.
436 patients are being treated in hospitals, which is up 26 on yesterday's figures.
While 107 are currently being treated in ICU.
Yesterday, the third-highest daily number of cases were reported, with 7,333 confirmed.
Irish Nurses and Midwives are facing a tough time ahead, as overcrowding issues loom with over 500 patients awaiting trolleys.
Earlier this week the INMO's Trolley Watch recorded the highest number since the pandemic began - with 534 patients on trolleys.
With this, it's been suggested that private hospitals pick up the slack.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, says it has taken 'less than two weeks' for Omicron to become the dominant strain in Ireland, revealing just how 'transmissible it is'.
He urges anyone that is eligible for a booster to avail of it "at the earliest opportunity".
Booster vaccines
It comes as those in the 40-49 years age cohort are eligible for a booster, 8 days ahead of schedule.
Image via pixabay.comHowever, long queue times at vaccine centres have been reported all weekend.
The updated Covid restrictions come into force tomorrow, bringing a curfew of 8pm to pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres.
Indoor and Outdoor events also face a cap of 50-percent attendance, or 1,000 maximum indoors and 5,000 outdoors.
