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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sophie Collins

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar tests positive for Covid-19 and has 'mild' symptoms

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a spokesperson for the minister.

He has deferred a number of engagements and is self-isolating after returning a positive antigen test.

He had tested negative on Thursday before attending an EPP meeting in Brussels, but is now reporting "mild symptoms."

Mr Varadkar was due to attend several engagements today at Ballincollig and Ringaskiddy in Cork, as well as a number of private functions later today.

READ MORE: Government decision due on key Covid rule change as employers struggle with staff absences

Instead, any engagements that he can carry out virtually from home will go ahead as planned.

A spokesperson for the Tanaiste confirmed that he has “mild intermittent” symptoms but is doing well.

The statement released today read: "The Tánaiste is self-isolating due to a positive antigen test. He had tested negative yesterday in Brussels.

“He has some mild intermittent symptoms but is otherwise well and intends to carry out any functions that he can virtually."

The news comes after it was confirmed that Justice Minister Helen McEntee had tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was also isolating with flu-like symptoms but later tested negative for the virus.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently recovered from a bout of Covid after contracting it while in Washington last week. He has since recovered and returned home to Ireland.

READ MORE: Covid Ireland: Cases fly above 23,000 with hospitals 'really struggling' as patient numbers grow

READ MORE: Several Irish hospitals impose bans on visitors as number of Covid patients spike

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