There have been 5,523 further positive PCR tests of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland today by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
An additional 5,048 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal on Wednesday.
The Department of Health says there are now 896 people in hospital, of which 90 are in ICU.
It comes as the Taoiseach said that Covid restrictions could be eased as early as next week.
Speaking to Morning Ireland on RTE on Thursday, Micheal Martin said: "The Government will meet tomorrow [Friday], after that I intend to give a clear statement about what lies ahead in the short term and medium term.
"The public health perspective is now that there has to be a rationale for measures.
"The situation is positive. The combination of the booster campaign and the fact that Omicron isn't as virulent as Delta and other waves has meant the impact on people has been much less. We can be positive.
"I thank the people of Ireland for how they have adapted so that we were able to control Omicron. I think we are entering a new phase. We intend now to live with Covid over the next while, because it isn't going away.
"It's very possible change will happen next week. The original restrictions were in until January 31 but we are hoping to have an earlier lifting of restrictions."
However, the Taoiseach noted that some rules will remain.
He said: "There are some areas we want to keep - there could be another chapter in Covid yet and we need to be mindful that the pandemic is not over. Mask wearing will be an important feature. [What we're seeing in the UK] is a long way away yet. "
Mr Martin also repeated his plea to the public to get their vaccinations when possible.
