The anxiety subsided, as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has tested negative for Covid-19. Irish Prime Minister and Ministers can now end their self-isolation.
The health minister was tested immediately after experiencing discomfort and Covid symptoms yesterday. But rumors were circulating that he had been infected with Covid before the result.
“The Minister contacted his GP and he has been referred for a Covid-19 test. He has gone home and will restrict his movements,” a government spokesman said.
All cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, have been under self-isolation since yesterday.
The Cabinet was being cautious because Stephen Donnelly attended a number of meetings yesterday, including when he briefed the whole Cabinet on today’s plan.
Following this, it was decided that Dial would adjourn the meeting indefinitely. But Dial was recalled yesterday evening after Minister Donnelly tested negative.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn visited the cabinet yesterday and his movements were also monitored. Dr. Ronan Glynn had asked all the cabinet ministers to restrict their movements.
However, the ministers do not need to restrict their movements, as it is obvious from the Covid test of Mr. Donnelly that he is not infected with the virus.