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One more Covid-19-related death was reported in the past 24 hours, along with 215 new cases of the virus.
A total of 2,097 people have died of coronavirus in Ireland. This includes the denotation of three deaths.
There are 74,682 confirmed positive cases after the denotification of a previously confirmed case.
The number of people in ICU is 31, an increase of three from yesterday.
There are 210 Covid-19 patients in hospitals, with eight additional hospitalizations in the last 24 hours.
Previously, it was revealed that those over 65 in long-term care, frontline healthcare workers and people over 70 will be the first in Ireland to receive the Covid-19 vaccine once it is approved.
Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said: “Today the government approved the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team on prioritizing Covid-19 vaccines.
“This is an important step in the development of the vaccine strategy, which is being finalized by the High-Level Task Force for Covid-19 vaccination.
“As each of us waits for the opportunity to get vaccinated, it is important that we continue to protect each other in the meantime, especially during Christmas and the months to come.
“Continue to follow public health advice; avoid crowded places, physical distances, wear face covers, wash your hands regularly, and practice cough / sneeze etiquette.”
Of the cases reported today, 95 are men and 119 are women, with 60% under 45 years of age.
There were 74 cases in Dublin, 22 in Donegal, 15 in Kilkenny, 14 in Louth, 11 in Limerick, and the remaining 79 cases are spread over 18 other counties.
The 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 per 100,000 population nationwide is now 80.2.
The counties with the highest infection rates include Donegal (220.5), Kilkenny (178.4), Louth (158.3) and Limerick (138.5).
Interactive map: Covid 19 cases in your area
The counties with the lowest rates include Leitrim (15.6), Wexford (19.4), Westmeath (24.8), and Kerry (29.8).
Also today, a 90-year-old grandmother from Enniskillen became the first person in the world to receive a Covid-19 vaccine outside of a trial.
Margaret Keenan, who has lived in Coventry, England for the past 60 years, said it was a “privilege”.
A nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast this morning became the first person on the island of Ireland to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
Joanna Sloan, 28, received the vaccine, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, shortly after 8 a.m.
Meanwhile, new guidelines from the Health Protection Surveillance Center have ruled out choral performances, including carol singing, in churches during the holiday season.
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