An average of nearly 1,000 more Covid cases are now being reported a day than a week ago.
The five-day moving average has risen to 5,233, compared to 4,272 seven days ago.
The chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, is urging the public to limit their contacts to their Christmas Day guests.
Omicron now accounts for two thirds of cases - and infectious diseases consultant, Cliona Ni Cheallaigh, fears it will lead to a spike in hospitalisations.
