LEO VARADKAR is restricting his movements after being identified as a close contact of a confirmed coronavirus case.
The Tánaiste today released a statement confirming that he was identified as a close contact but is feeling "perfectly well".
Mr Varadkar received a swab test to check for the virus which he says returned a negative result, but says he will continue to restrict his movement and work from home for the time being.
In a statement, the Fine Gael leader said:
“Yesterday I was informed that I was a close contact of someone who tested positive for Covid 19. I was swabbed yesterday and the test has come back negative.
"In line with public health advice, I will be restricting my movements to home and outdoor exercise."
14/09/2020 Tánaiste Leo Varadkar speaking to the media while on a tour of the K-Leisure facility in Naas Co Kildare. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday September 14, 2020. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire/RollingNews.ieHe was quick to assure the public that "there are no implications for anyone who has been in close contact with me," adding "I am perfectly well and will be working from home."
The news comes after the Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, had to receive a Covid-19 test last week after he began feeling ill.
As he had been in close contact with much of the top Government officials, members of the Dáil were sent home and told to isolate as a precaution, however Mr Donnelly's test quickly returned a negative result and the Dáil was reconvened.
Dublin has experienced a surge in cases in recent weeks, and is currently operating under stricter coronavirus measures than the rest of the country in an attempt to stabilise the numbers.
Pubs which do not serve food reopened for the first time in more than six months in 25 counties in the Republic last week, however in Dublin, the date has been pushed back again.
Additional measures introduced has barred indoor dining, meaning all restaurants and gastropubs must serve their customers in outdoor settings.
