The latest Covid figures have been released.
527 new Covid-19 cases have been confirmed, as well as five further deaths.
This brings Ireland's Covid-related death toll to 2,154, while 78,776 people have tested positive for the virus.
191 of Saturday's cases are in Dublin, 54 are in Cork, 44 are in Donegal, 32 are in Wexford, 27 are in Kilkenny, and the remaining 179 cases are spread across 20 other counties.
As of 2pm today, 207 Covid patients are hospitalised across the country, of which 28 are in the ICU. 12 additional hospitalisations have occurred in the past 24 hours.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said: "The figures we are seeing across all key indicators of disease severity continue to give us strong reason for persistent, ongoing concern.
"As we head into a week with uniquely risky inter-household and inter-generational mixing, please remember to act responsibly. Start this weekend. It is never too late to cut down your contacts, cancel plans, or avoid a crowd.
"Bear in mind that you may well be the link in a chain of transmission that ends with a vulnerable loved one catching this dangerous disease. Stop that chain of transmission now – limit your movements today."
Earlier on Saturday, Northern Ireland's Department of Health reported that a further 640 individuals have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.
Sadly, a further 17 deaths have also been reported up north (though four of these deaths occurred outside the 24 hour period).
Cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss
lockdown restrictions potentially being introduced before the new year.
