A new, mutant strain of COVID-19 is now present in Ireland, Dr Tony Holohan confirmed today.
This new variant of the virus has rapidly spread 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 in UCD.
“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."
Dr Holohan added: "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..”
Health officials have announced 1,025 new cases of the coronavirus in Ireland today.
That brings the total number of cases in the country since the pandemic began to 84,098.
There have also been two further deaths from COVID-19 in the country.
So far, 2,194 people have sadly lost their lives as a result of the disease.
