New UK strain of Covid-19 in Ireland as 1,025 new cases with 2 more deaths confirmed

A new UK variant of Covid-19 has been confirmed in Ireland.

The Department of Health says 1,025 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Ireland, while 2 more deaths have been confirmed.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, 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.

“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."

 Ireland now has the fastest growing incidence rate in the European Union  .

Members of the public out shopping and wearing face masks during the Covid 19 Coronavirus pandemic on Dublin's Grafton Street. (Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos)

Further restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus are coming into effect on a phased basis.

Contact services such as hairdressers and beauty salons have closed their doors.

Curbs will be phased in over the Christmas period, coming into full effect on January 1.

The Government has warned the restrictions could be in place for months.

Inter-county travel will be prohibited after December 26.

From January 1, no gatherings among households in private homes and gardens will be permitted.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, (Collins Agency, Dublin)

The current measures that allow visits from two other households to a private dwelling or garden will end on December 27.

One other household will be allowed to visit up to December 31 before a ban on visitors, apart for essential purposes, comes into effect.

The adjustments from full Level 5 include non-essential retail being able to remain open, with guidance that shops do not run January sales.

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can remain open for individual exercise, but no sports matches can take place apart from those at elite level.

Schools will stay open.

After 3pm on Christmas Eve, hotels will only be able to remain open for essential and non-tourism purposes.

Christmas religious services will be allowed but after December 25 services should return to an online format. Places of worship will remain open for private prayer.