Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced updated Covid-19 guidelines to help battle the surge in cases heading into Christmas.
Today the Department of Health has this evening reported 4,407 new cases of Covid-19.
614 people are in hospital with the virus, of whom 114 are being treated in ICU.
Almost 55,000 infections have been confirmed in the past two weeks, an amount that hasn't been recorded in a 14-day period since January.
Micheál Martin addressed the nation this evening at government buildings where he said that an entire household will have to restrict movements if there's a confirmed case in the home, regardless of vaccination status.
The Taoiseach also confirmed that each person must take antigen tests.
Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath says the change in household contact tracing rules does apply to teachers, despite an opposition TD claiming the Taoiseach said they were exempt.
Minister McGrath says they should not go to work if someone at home has tested positive for Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Digital Covid Certificates, to prove vaccination or immunity from Covid-19, will be required for access to cinemas and theatres.
From this week, licensed premises which include pubs, restaurants and nightclubs - will have a new closing time of midnight.
The phased return to work in the office has been put on pause, the Taoiseach says that everybody should work from home - unless it is absolutely necessary to attend in person.
Micheál Martin confirmed a booster campaign for all over 50s and under 60s with an underlying condition that will now be rolled out.
