UK variant confirmed in Ireland as two more deaths, 1,025 new cases reported

The Department of Health confirmed this afternoon another two deaths from Covid-19.

The most recent figures bring the total number of Covid-19-related deaths here to 2,194.

The Health Protection Surveillance Center (HPSC) also confirmed 1,025 new cases of the virus here.

The total number of confirmed cases in Ireland since the outbreak began is now 84,098.

In a statement released this afternoon, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan also confirmed that the new British variant of Covid-19 is present in Ireland.

He 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.

Dr. Holohan said that in the meantime, it was “vitally important” for people to stay 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 isolate themselves for a full 14 days after arrival.

They should not interact with others, visit others, socialize, or go shopping.

The HSE says it is making arrangements to test newcomers from the UK.

Full details of tips and procedures are available at www.hse.ie.