Stephen Donnelly self-isolating after showing mild Covid-19 symptoms

Minister for Health immediately arranged a test, which returned a ‘not-detected’ result

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s condition forced the postponement at short notice of the department’s post-Budget briefing in Government Buildings on Wednesday. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s condition forced the postponement at short notice of the department’s post-Budget briefing in Government Buildings on Wednesday. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is self-isolating after showing mild symptoms of Covid-19, his department has said.

Mr Donnelly’s condition forced the postponement at short notice of the department’s post-Budget briefing in Government Buildings on Wednesday.

The briefing will now be held by video conference on Thursday, according to a spokeswoman.

After experiencing virus symptoms, Mr Donnelly immediately self-isolated and arranged a test, which has returned a “not-detected” result, she said.

“Minister Donnelly will continue to follow the public health advice (including working from home) and encourages anyone who experiences symptoms of Covid-19 to self-isolate and get tested straight away.”

Anyone who experiences Covid-19 symptoms is required to self-isolate until 48 hours after the symptoms end, even if they test negative for the virus.

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Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen is a former heath editor of The Irish Times.