The Department of Health has reported a further 1,459 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today.
It comes as 65 people with the virus are in ICUs nationally for the second day in a row.
Latest figures from the Department of Health show the number of people across the hospital system who have tested positive for Covid-19 stands at 296.
In Northern Ireland, there are 1,020 new cases of the virus, while six people have died after contracting Covid-19.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Officer says contact tracing of close contacts in primary schools and childcare facilities will no longer be needed from tomorrow.
Tony Holohan says testing of asymptomatic close contacts will also no longer be necessary in these facilities.
He says children aged 12 or under who are close contacts and are asymptomatic won't have to routinely restrict their movements either.
He says despite the increased testing, there has only been a relatively modest increase in the detection of cases in the school going age group.
