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A new mutant strain of COVID-19 is now present in Ireland, Dr Tony Holohan confirmed today.
This new variant of the virus has spread rapidly across southern Britain and is believed to be up to 70% more transmissible.
Dr Holohan said: “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 at UCD.
“More tests in the coming days and weeks will establish to what extent it is present here.
“In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all stay home, avoid social contact and avoid all kinds of non-essential travel.”
Dr Holohan added: “It is particularly important that those who have arrived from the UK strictly isolate themselves for a full 14 days after arrival.
“They should not interact with others, visit others, socialize or go shopping. The HSE is making arrangements to test newcomers from the UK.”
Health officials today announced 1,025 new cases of coronavirus in Ireland.
That brings the total number of cases in the country since the pandemic began to 84,098.
There have also been two more deaths from COVID-19 in the country.
So far 2,194 people have sadly lost their lives as a result of the disease.
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