There have been 6,597 further positive PCR tests of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland today by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
An additional 4,564 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal on Thursday.
The Department of Health says there are now 892 people in hospital, of which 88 are in ICU.
It comes as the Taoiseach is set to announce the lifting of the majority of Covid restrictions in Ireland.
Micheal Martin is expected to state in an address to the nation that Irish hospitality businesses can reopen in full from Saturday.
It is anticipated that Cabinet will agree that almost all restrictions can be lifted from 6am with curfews on pubs and restaurants lifted and nightclubs allowed to open again.
All indoor and outdoor events will also resume to full capacity paving the way for full attendance for major sporting fixtures this weekend.
Social distancing rules will also end on Saturday and the Covid pass is set to be abolished for access to hospitality, under plans going to Cabinet.
The Taoiseach is also expected to announce the phased return to workplaces from Monday.
Limits on household visits will also be lifted from Saturday too.
Pubs will no longer have to ask customers for contract tracing details and the rule to have six people at a table will also be abolished.
The Covid pass system for access to hospitality is also expected to be lifted.
Under plans going to Cabinet, nightclubs could also reopen this weekend.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said that today was “a day to be proud of our nation” as Cabinet are to soon sign off on the plan.
