There have been two further Coronavirus-related deaths in Ireland and 1,025 new cases.
The health authorities haven’t provided a breakdown of the cases on a county-by-county basis today though Dr Tony Holohan has said that the new strain of the virus has now been detected in Ireland.
“I can confirm that we have detected the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 by whole genome sequencing at the National Virus Reference Laboratory in UCD,” he said.
“Further testing in the coming days and weeks will establish the extent to which it is present here.
“In the meantime, it is vitally important that we each stay at home, avoid social contact and avoid all forms of non-essential travel.”
“It is particularly important that those who have arrived from the UK strictly self-isolate for a full 14 days following arrival.
“They should not interact with others, visit others, socialise or go shopping. The HSE is making arrangements to test recent arrivals from the UK. Full details of advice and procedures are available at www.hse.ie.”
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