The INMO says staff are reaching breaking point.
The Deparment of Health has reported 17,071 Covid-19 cases.
717 people are in hospital with the virus, and 87 are in ICU
A further 17,071 cases of Covid-19 were recorded by the Department of Health today.
While the daily figure has decreased from the almost 23,300 reported yesterday, the recent drop in hospitalistons has reversed.
As of today 61 more patients are in hospital with the virus compared to yesterday.
But comparing that to the number on Christmas Day, the hospital figures have more than doubled.
378 were hospitalised on the 25th with that number rising to 717 eight days later.
The ICU figures have shown more stability however.
87 are in ICU as of this morning, with the figure yet to eclipse the 100 mark in eleven days.Hospitals are being urged to curtail all non-emergency activity and introduce greater measures to reduce transmission of Covid-19.
It comes as the number of staff absent increases due to high infection rates.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says the hospital system's too small to cope with servicing emergency care, Covid care and elective treatments.
General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha says staff are reaching breaking point:
Meanwhile, scientists at a research centre in Antarctica are battling a Covid-19 outbreak.
It's reported a team of around 16 workers at the Princess Elisabeth Polar Station have tested positive.
The base is located in one of the most remote regions in the world.
Midlands Prisons Linked To One In Three Inmate Deaths
Laois Councillor Calls For Livestreaming Of Meetings
Two Men Charged After Cross Border Terrorism Investigation In Laois
Sentence Increased For Driver Who Killed Laois Student In Hit And Run
HSE Warns Poultry Farmers To Get Flu Shot Amid Bird Flu Cases
Westmeath Farmers Encouraged To Attend Election Debate
Midlands Workers In Line For Possible Revenue Refunds
Westmeath Councillor Pushes For Motor Homes
EPA'S Track Record On Nitrates Derogation 'Concerning' - Joe Flaherty
Laois Priest Calls For Sacrament Prep Outside School
Fastway Workers Support Meeting To Be Held In Laois
Two Men Arrested In Laois In Cross Border Terrorism Investigation
DJ Carey Case ‘Difficult’ For Supporters - Eimear Ní Bhraonáin
JNLR Figures Reveal Growth In Midlands 103 Listenership
Judge Considers Sending Enoch Burke Back To Prison After Latest Court Clash
Tributes Paid To Retiring Midlands Superintendent
Midlands Senator Questions Accuracy Of EPA Report On Illegal Peat Extraction
42 Projects Represented At EU Just Transition Fund Showcase
Meath Case Detected As Bird Flu Spread Continues
Archaeological Finds Uncovered In Westmeath