Minister for Health self-isolates after experiencing Covid-19 symptoms

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is self-isolating with symptoms of Covid-19 after taking a Covid-19 test. 

Mr Donnelly did not receive a positive result however he is working from home after experiencing mild symptoms. 

The Health Minister said anyone who experiences symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate and contact their GP to arrange a Covid-19 test. 

The Department of Health has needed to schedule a post-Budget press conference as a result which will now take place online tomorrow. 

In a statement issued this afternoon, the department said the minister's symptoms were mild and that he immediately self-isolated before taking the Covid-19 test. 

"The Department of Health’s Budget 2022 press conference is being rescheduled to tomorrow, Thursday October 14, and will now take place by video conference – an updated media notice will issue in due course.

"Minister Donnelly has experienced mild symptoms of Covid-19. As per public health advice, Minister Donnelly immediately self-isolated and arranged a test which has returned a not-detected result.

"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. You can arrange a test on www.hse.ie or by contacting your GP," the statement said. 

Mr Donnelly previous had to self-isolate after a Government Living with Covid programme launch last September when he became unwell. 

The entire Cabinet as well as deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn needed to restrict their movements as a result. 

The minister later tested negative again for Covid-19.