The national 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate has continued to fall for the sixth day in a row - and decreased 18% in the past week.
It now stands at 253, as 552 new cases of the virus were reported last night - as well as two additional deaths.
44 people are in ICU for the second day in a row - the highest number since late-May.
It comes as the HSE has confirmed it's drawing up plans for vaccine clinics, with several leading candidates set to finish up their phase three trials by the end of this year.
But public health expert Professor Anthony Staines says it will take some time to have one ready for the public.
"I know some people are saying we'll have an effective vaccine in February. I genuinely don't think that will happen.
"I don't see how we can produce enough vaccines, and spread enough vaccine around and give it to enough people fast enough.
"Even if we have a very effective vaccine, the signs are the vaccines are 40-50% effective, like the flu vaccine, but not effective at a level which the vaccine on its own can eliminate the virus."
