The latest Covid figures have been released.
744 new Covid cases have been reported today, as well as four further deaths.
246 of Sunday's cases are in Dublin, while 131 are in Cork, 51 are in Limerick, 40 are in Wexford, 33 are in Donegal and the remaining 243 cases are spread across 19 other counties.
As of 8am today, 324 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised across the country, of which 26 are in ICU. 50 additional hospitalisations have occurred in the past 24 hours.
Speaking on Sunday, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said: "We have seen a significant increase in the number of hospitalisations in the last two weeks from less than 190 to 324 today. This indicates a deteriorating disease trajectory nationally and is a significant reminder of the severity of this disease.
"There have been further increases across key indicators of COVID-19 right across the country and the growth rate of the epidemic has accelerated in recent days.
"Due to the lower volume of tests being carried out over Christmas Day and yesterday, we believe there are higher levels of disease circulating in the community than today’s reported numbers reflect.
"We expect, therefore, to see a large increase in cases reported over the coming days.
"If we do not act now to stop the spread of Covid-19, we will not be able to protect those in our society that are most at risk of serious illness or death.“
"Stay home, do not visit friends or family unless you are providing essential care and do not have visitors to your home. Follow the public health advice."
Our community positivity rate has now reached 10%, while the average person who has tested positive for Covid now has five close contacts.
Ireland is set to begin distributing the Covid vaccine this Tuesday, a day ahead of schedule.
