 
                            Case numbers rise to record 23,281, but hospitalisations are down.
23,281 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported on New Year's Day.
It's the highest figure recorded since the pandemic began.
There are 656 people in hospital with the virus, down 26, while 85 people are in ICU.
The rollout of the booster vaccine is due to ramp up tomorrow when all those aged over 16 will be eligible for their jab.
The health minister Stephen Donnelly made the announcement yesterday, inviting those eligible to book their appointment online.
Originally, it was planned that the 16-29 year old cohort would be eligible from January 10th, but the date was moved forward in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

 
                                         
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