Six confirmed cases of Omicron variant in Ireland - CMO

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has confirmed that there are now six confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Ireland while a number of other probable cases are under investigation.

In a series of tweets this evening Dr Holohan said the public health measures of mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing couple with the vaccination and booster programme would be strong enough to break the chains of transmission of the Delta and Omicron variants.

"There are now six confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Ireland. A number of other probable cases are under investigation," said Dr Holohan.

"Although this is a new variant, our early understanding gives us confidence that a booster dose of #COVID19 vaccine will offer good protection against Omicron and Delta infection.

"Our current wave of disease continues to be driven by the Delta variant of #COVID19. We know that the public health measures we are so familiar with will break the chains of transmission of Delta, and we are confident they will work on Omicron.

"Please continue to layer up on the public health advice by getting vaccinated and boosted, reducing contacts, wearing masks, keeping distance, opening windows and cleaning hands regularly.

"It is heartening to see the large numbers of people who attended walk-in vaccination centres today to receive their #COVID19 booster dose as soon as it became available to them.

"If you are eligible for a booster dose, then please do not wait until after Christmas to receive it. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within seven days of receiving your third dose.

"This means that anybody who receives their booster vaccine this week or next can be confident in the protection the booster will offer as we move closer to the Christmas period.

"If you are yet to receive a primary dose of #COVID19 vaccine, please make arrangements to do so. The HSE will be very happy to see you.

"If you have any concerns about receiving your #COVID19 vaccine, I encourage you to engage with the trusted health advice available on http://hse.ie, and with your own clinician.