A staggering 20,554 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening.

The figure represents the highest count since the pandemic began. As of 8am today, 619 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 88 are in ICU.

A further 16,428 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded on Wednesday, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to sweep the nation, overwhelming PCR testing facilities.

The @hpscireland has today been notified of 20,554* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 619 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 88 are in ICU.

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) December 30, 2021

With Cabinet due to meet next week to discuss the next steps, An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has urged the public to take up any invitation to receive a booster vaccine this week or early in the New Year.

“Omicron continues to spread rapidly and is a serious threat.” the Taoiseach said in a Tweet this evening.

“I appreciate everyone’s hard work to keep people safe over this period. Our best protection is the booster. 2.08m doses have now been given out, 417k in the last week.

“Let’s keep it going – please get a booster.”

Omicron continues to spread rapidly and is a serious threat.

I appreciate everyone’s hard work to keep people safe over this period.

Our best protection is the booster. 2.08m doses have now been given out, 417k in the last week.

Let’s keep it going – please get a booster.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 30, 2021

Holohan: Avoid New Year’s Eve parties

Meanwhile, Dr Tony Holohan has warned that a negative antigen test result does not mean it is safe to party this New Year’s Eve.

Dr Holohan urged the public to cancel planned New Year’s Eve parties and keep social contacts as low as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.