There have been 575 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ireland.
No further deaths have been reported today.
Of today's new cases, 232 were in Dublin, 48 in Meath, 41 in Tipperary, 38 in Kildare, 30 in Galway and the remaining cases spread across 20 other counties.
As of this morning, there were 360 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, with 85 of those in intensive care.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said it's important not to lose sight of the danger posed by the virus.
He said: "While, in time, vaccines will have a very significant positive impact on COVID, they will not stop a further wave of disease over the coming weeks.
"We are seeing this play out across Europe, with many countries now experiencing pressure on their hospital and critical care capacities.
"We must not let that happen here.
"If we can return to decreasing indicators of disease, we can continue to protect our loved ones and look forward to much brighter days ahead.”
Today's figures show the 14-day incidence rate of the virus is currently 148 per 100,000, with a five-day moving average of 548 new cases.
Earlier, the Health Minister said the pause in using the AstraZeneca vaccine should not impact on the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
