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Medical Director Dr Tony Holohan confirmed today that the new British variant of Covid-19 has been detected in Ireland.
This comes when Nphet confirmed 1,025 new cases and two more deaths from the disease.
Dr Tony Holohan, Health Department Medical Director, said: “I can confirm that we have detected the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 by whole genome sequencing at the National Reference Laboratory for Viruses 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. “
“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 the newcomers from the UK. “
In recent days, Nphet has issued new advice to the government recommending that all non-essential retailers close from St. Stephen’s Day, due to growing concern about the rapid spread of the disease among all age groups.
The ‘R’ reproduction number of the coronavirus in Ireland is currently estimated at between 1.5 and 1.8, which is the highest since April.
This means that the virus is spreading at an exponential rate within the community.
Government and public health officials have begged the public to keep Christmas celebrations and gatherings to an absolute minimum for the next few days in an effort to slow the growth of Covid-19.
More to follow ..
Online editors
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