Five Covid-19 deaths here and 2,075 new cases with 514 of the Omicron variant

Q Radio News/PA

Surges in Covid and Omicron variant cases are being reported across the UK and Ireland. 

New UK figures show the number of confirmed Omicron cases in Northern Ireland is 827, an increase of 514.

It compares with Scotland's total of 792, up by 96, and Wales, 181 - up 22 on the previous day.

New UK figures show the number of confirmed Omicron cases in Northern Ireland is 827, an increase of 514.

Wales - 181, up 22 on the previous day.

Scotland - 792, an increase of 96.

England - 23,168 cases, up 9,427 on the previous day’s total. pic.twitter.com/ckGEon486E

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 18, 2021

The Department of Health here on Saturday announced a further five Covid deaths and an uptick to 2,075 new cases in the past day. 

The latest Covid-19 figures from the Department of Health show a further five deaths in Northern Ireland and 2,075 new cases in the past 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/qnchjtK2JI

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 18, 2021

Meanwhile, the Republic reported 7,333 new Covid-19 infections - one of the highest daily figures there.

The Republic reports a surge in Covid-19 cases - 7,333 today.

CMO Dr Tony Holohan: "Recent international experience and the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant here means we can expect to see a large number of cases over the next short period of time..." pic.twitter.com/crk8a7zhcz

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 18, 2021

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he is "very worried" and "apprehensive" about the "sheer scale" of spread of Omicron with the number of cases doubling every few days.

He added it "could well be" that the worst of the pandemic is yet to come.

There's reaction to Martin announcing new restrictions in Ireland from Monday.

Hospitality chiefs have warned an 8pm closing time will "decimate" their trade and lead to job losses.