Three cases of the Brazilian variant of COVID-19 have been identified in Ireland, health authorities have confirmed.
All three cases are directly associated with recent travel from Brazil.
Dr Ronan Glynn said that there is no microbiological or epidemiological evidence of any change in transmissibility for the new P1 variant.
He said: “This P1 variant has previously been identified in a small number of European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
"While there is currently no microbiological or epidemiological evidence of any change in transmissibility of P1, this is plausible.
"Further studies are required to determine whether this variant is likely to have an impact on vaccine effectiveness or infection severity.
He added: "Detection of this variant in Ireland does not change the fact that our best defence against all forms of COVID-19 is to stick with the public health measures that have proved to be effective in reducing the incidence of disease in our communities.
"We must continue to wash our hands well and often, wear a mask, cough and sneeze into our elbows, keep two metres social distance from others and avoid crowds, and always remember that it is imperative to phone your GP at the very first sign of COVID-19 symptoms."
Anyone who has travelled from Brazil or any of the other 19 countries designated as "Category 2" are required to quarantine at home for 14 days.
The 20 countries are as follows:
- Brazil
- UAE
- Austria
- Angola
- Botswana
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Eswatini
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
